owhees are a group of songbirds containing nine different species. They belong to the family Passerellidae, also referred to as the New World sparrows. Many people struggle pronouncing their name, but it is quite simple, Tow-Hee.
Their most distinctive feature is their red eyes. All species of this family reside in North America. The biggest species is the Eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
Towhee Species There are nine species of Towhees, but the most popular are:
Collared Towhee Collared towhees have bright patterns and inhabit the highlands of south-central Mexico. They are generally found in flower banks, overgrown fields, pine forests, and brushy understories.
They are often seen feeding along the edges of fields and on quiet roadsides in the late spring. These birds are typically quiet, but do sing from low trees or bushes.
They have rusty caps, brightly striped heads, and bold white throats, which contrasts with the wide black collar around their necks. Although they are mostly quiet, their songs and calls are quite loud; unlike a similar species, the chestnut-capped brush finch.
Spotted Towhee The spotted towhee is a large, striking bird that inhabits sun-filled thickets in western regions of North America. Males have black backs with white spotting and stripes, while females are a grayish-brown color.
Their rufous flanks are a rusty color to match the dry leaves they spend most of their days in, making them hard to see when in leaf litter. So, the best time to view these birds is in the spring when they sing from the top of bushes and shrubs.
Eastern Towhee Eastern towhees are the largest of the genus, and they inhabit the eastern regions of North America, as their name suggests. They are black and reddish-brown in color, with striking white marks covering their bodies.
These birds prefer to rummage through the undergrowth and make a considerable racquet when doing so. In addition, they have chewink calls that are surprisingly loud for their body size.
Canyon Towhee Canyon towhee is considered a large sparrow because they belong to the family of New World sparrows. They have brown plumage and look a lot like their cousins, the California towhee; however, they do not share the same habitat.
These birds are ground-dwelling and found in various habitats like desert grasslands, brushy areas, and suburban gardens. Their diet consists of seeds and several types of invertebrates.
Where to Find the Towhee These birds inhabit various ecosystems like woodlands, forests, and urban cities. They can live as high as 6,500 ft, although they prefer lower altitudes because of the warmth.
All species live in North America and build their nests in bushes or on the ground under shrubs. However, they spend most of their days on the ground, rummaging through the foliage for food, and really thrive in areas with thick undergrowth.
In addition, they occupy low-hanging branches where they feed on fruits and insects.
