Spotted Towhee

Formerly considered a single species with what is now Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), as Rufous-sided Towhee, and older books will use that name. The two species share many traits: The black head; staring red eye; bright rufous sides; white breast; and a long, black tail with white spots at the outer corners that are conspicuous in flight. Spotted Towhee, however, has white wing bars and white spots on the scapulars which give the back and wings an overall white spotted look. Eastern Towhee has an isolated white patch on the flank (actually at the base of the primaries) but is otherwise black on the back. Females of both species are similar to the males but browner in hue. In males and females in Sonoma County, however, the difference is subtle and the sexes look fairly similar.

Common throughout the county, preferring dense brushy areas. Scrapes through leaf litter looking for food, often by jumping backwards, using its feet to move away debris. Often heard before it's seen. Apparently there is considerable geographical variation in vocalizations. In Sonoma County, however, a distinctive nasal, cranky-sounding yaa! is most common. The song of local birds, usually heard in the spring, is a straight, fairly emphatic trill. The song is most often confused with that of Orange-crowned Warbler. The song of the warbler is also a simple trill but more delicate and melodic, rising in the middle and then falling away, but they can be difficult to distinguish in isolation (Spring Lake in April can be excellent for making a comparison). Note that the recording of the song on the Cornell Lab page linked to below is not typical for Sonoma County. The nasal yaa! towards the end of the recording is very similar to what we hear here, but the clear notes preceding the trill at the beginning of the recording should be ignored. Just listen for the trill (which in our birds is longer and more emphatic). The trill of the warbler (link below) is close to what we hear here in Sonoma County. Note also that Dark-eyed Junco may at times produce a very similar trill.