Eastern Towhee

Scientific Name: Pipilo Erythrophthalmus

Population Estimate: 11M

Range / Habitat: Restricted to eastern US where found year-round in the south, push up nearly to Canada in the summer. In contrast to the photos above, usually found in scrub and undergrowth.

Field Notes: A large, bulky sparrow with long tail. Males are strikingly marked, as above, with black head and neck, white belly, rufous flanks, red eye. There is a flash of white on the back in flight. Similar to Spotted Towhee, though less white marking on the back and wings, and minimal overlap in the Great Plains.

Personal Notes: Richard went on quite an excursion for this photo. We kept getting glimpses of this bird in the brush, but patience was finally rewarded.