New World sparrows (Passerellidae)
Spotted Towhee
Pipilo maculatus. Seeds, berries and insects from leaf litter.
New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Spotted TowheePipilo maculatus
- Scientific name
- Pipilo maculatus
- Length
- 6.7–8.3 in
- Weight
- 1.2–1.7 oz
- Nest
- Cup on or near the ground
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 3–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–14 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Black hood and back with white spots
- Rufous flanks
- Red eye
Voice
Buzzy trill; cat-like 'mew' call.
Diet and feeding
Seeds, berries and insects from leaf litter.
What do spotted towhees eat? · Best feeder for spotted towhees
Spotted Towhees by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Arizona | Year-round resident | March–July |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | May–July |
| California | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Kansas | Winter visitor | — |
| Montana | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Nebraska | Summer breeder | April–July |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–July |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–July |
| North Dakota | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Oklahoma | Winter visitor | — |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Saskatchewan | Summer breeder | May–July |
| South Dakota | Summer breeder | April–July |
| Texas | Winter visitor | — |
| Utah | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Washington | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Wyoming | Summer breeder | May–July |
Frequently asked
What do spotted towhees eat?
Seeds, berries and insects from leaf litter. At feeders: millet, sunflower chips.
How big is a Spotted Towhee?
6.7–8.3 in long and 1.2–1.7 oz.
Do spotted towhees use birdhouses?
No. Cup on or near the ground.
Sources
- Spotted Towhee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Spotted Towhee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Spotted Towhee — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.