Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

The name "towhee," an imitation of this bird's call, was given in 1731 by the naturalist and bird artist Mark Catesby, who encountered a similar species, the Eastern Towhee, in the Carolinas. Towhees often feed on the ground, scratching noisily in the dry leaves.

Look For : Black above, white below, with reddish sides, white belly, and white spots on back.

Length : 7-8".

Habitat : Forest edges, brushy areas, parks.

Range : Western U.S. into southwestern Canada.