Where does the Spotted Towhee live?
Pipilo maculatus
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Open the appThe Spotted Towhee lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Forest edges, woodlands, chaparral, riparian thickets, suburban gardens, and brushy areas.
Geographic range
Western North America, from southern British Columbia and Alberta south through the western United States to Baja California and central Mexico. Eastward to the Great Plains in some areas.
Preferred environments
Dense undergrowth, thickets, and brushy areas, often near forest edges or open woodlands. They prefer areas with abundant leaf litter for foraging.
Elevation range
Sea level up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), depending on latitude and local habitat availability.
Where to look
Forest Edges and Woodlands
Look in the understory of deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, especially where there's a transition to open areas.
Chaparral and Shrublands
Common in dense, brushy habitats typical of western North America.
Riparian Thickets
Along streams and rivers where dense vegetation provides cover.
Suburban Gardens and Parks
Can be found in backyards with dense shrubbery, hedges, and ground cover.
Field tips
- Listen for the 'chewink' call. This distinctive call is often the first indication of a Spotted Towhee's presence, as they are often hidden in dense vegetation.
- Watch for movement in leaf litter. Their foraging behavior involves vigorously scratching through leaves on the ground. Look for rustling sounds and sudden movements in dense undergrowth.
- Be patient near dense cover. Spotted Towhees are shy and prefer to stay concealed. Find a good vantage point near a thicket and wait quietly; they may eventually emerge.
- Look for red eyes. If you get a glimpse of a bird in dense cover, the bright red eyes of an adult Spotted Towhee are a strong identifying feature.
Migration
Northern populations are migratory, moving south for the winter. Southern and coastal populations are largely resident year-round. Migrants typically move short to medium distances.
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