Feeder match

The best feeder for green-tailed towhees

Scratches under mountain shrubbery and visits ground feeding areas near dense cover, especially on migration.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Green-tailed TowheePipilo chlorurus

Feeder styles that work

First choice
Low ground tray under cover

Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.

What to fill it with

  • Millet
  • Hulled sunflower (on the ground)

Full seasonal diet of the Green-tailed Towhee →

Sizing the feeder to the bird

The Green-tailed Towhee measures 6.5–7.1 in and weighs 1–1.3 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.

Keep it clean

Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.

Frequently asked

What kind of feeder is best for green-tailed towhees?

Low ground tray under cover. Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.

What should I put in a feeder for green-tailed towhees?

Millet, Hulled sunflower (on the ground).

Where should I place a feeder for green-tailed towhees?

Scratches under mountain shrubbery and visits ground feeding areas near dense cover, especially on migration.

Sources

  1. Green-tailed Towhee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Green-tailed Towhee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Green-tailed 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.