What does the Eastern Towhee eat?

The Eastern Towhee's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily insectivorous during breeding season, shifting to seeds and fruits in fall and winter.

How it forages

Forages primarily on the ground, often scratching vigorously with both feet simultaneously in a characteristic 'double-scratch' motion to uncover insects and seeds from leaf litter. Also gleans insects from foliage and eats berries directly from shrubs. Diet includes beetles, caterpillars, spiders, ants, seeds (especially from sumac, ragweed, and smartweed), and various berries.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Eastern Towhee