Spotted Towhee
A species of Towhee, Also known as Western Rufous-sided Towhee Scientific name : Pipilo maculatus Genus : Towhee
Spotted Towhee, A species of Towhee
Also known as:
Western Rufous-sided Towhee
Botanical name: Pipilo maculatus
Genus: Towhee
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
The spotted Towhee is a large sparrow found in sunny, open forests and recognizable by its distinctive two-footed hop. A ground dweller, it scratches the ground in search of food. Regarded as an extremely vocal bird, its song varies according to geographical location. During the breeding season, the male spends more than 70% of its mornings singing, trying to attract the female.
Size
18-19 cm (7-7.5 in)
Life Expectancy
11 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
2 - 6 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 3 broods
Number of Broods
12 - 13 days
Nestling Period
10 - 12 days
Feeding Habits
Spotted Towhee predominantly consumes insects, including various beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, bees, and wasps, along with other litter arthropods like millipedes, sowbugs, and spiders. Their diet also consists of acorns, berries, seeds, and grains. Plant materials are the mainstay of their diet in fall and winter.
Habitat
Spotted Towhee predominantly inhabits areas with dense shrubbery and thick underbrush, such as dry thickets, brushy tangles, and forest edges. They are also common in old fields, shrubby backyards, and various scrublands including chaparral. These areas often feature rich leaf litter, providing spotted Towhee with ample foraging opportunities. Spotted Towhee is adapted to a range of altitudes and climates, found from prairie coulees and river streams to interior mountains and high plateaus, as well as riparian thickets and the lower reaches of canyon bottoms.
Nest Behavior
Spotted Towhee females construct the nest, timing it with the breeding season. They lay and incubate eggs within the nest's well-concealed inner cup. Both parents are involved in caring for the young, with nesting activities coinciding with local climatic conditions and food availability.
Nest Characteristics
Spotted Towhee's nests are found on or near ground level or occasionally up to 12 feet high, usually in exposed areas with nearby concealment like grass clumps or shrubs. They measure approximately 4.5 inches across, with a 2.5-4 inch wide, 2.5 inch deep inner cup, comprised of leaves, stems, bark, grass, rootlets, pine needles, and hair.
Dite type
Omnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Cracked Corn
Peanut Hearts
Millet
Milo
Bird Feeder Type
Platform
Ground
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Mexico
Song
Recording location: United States
Song
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Spotted Towhee exhibit a particular affinity for foraging on the ground, delving into leaf litter or navigating dense shrubbery with their distinctive hopping motion, which is both methodical and persistent. Their search for sustenance involves a unique two-footed backward scratch, eagerly followed by snatching up any exposed prey. Interactions within their species are intriguing; during moments of contention, a twig or leaf may be borne as a token of submission. Alarm responses are characterized by a conspicuous wing flicking, often accompanied by a flash of the white tail corners, signaling distress.
Species Status
Not globally threatened. (Least Concern). Generally common to fairly common. Race consobrinus, confined to Guadalupe I, off Baja California, extinct. Race ... read more
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
New world sparrows Genus
Towhee Species
Spotted Towhee 
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