How to identify the Spotted Towhee

To correctly identify the Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

17-21 cm (6.7-8.3 in)

Wingspan

28-33 cm (11-13 in)

Weight

32-49 g (1.1-1.7 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Males have a black head, throat, back, and tail, heavily spotted with white on the back and wings. The flanks are a rich rufous, and the belly is white. Females are similar but have brown where the male is black. Both sexes have bright red eyes and a white patch at the base of the primaries, visible in flight.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Conical, stout, and dark gray to black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Bright red (adults), duller in juveniles.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Bright red eyes, heavily spotted back and wings (especially males), rufous flanks, and a characteristic 'tow-hee' call. The white wing patch is a key field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall, with streaky brown plumage on the head and back, and duller rufous flanks. Their eyes are typically duller, often brownish, before turning red.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Breeding and non-breeding plumages are essentially the same, though plumage may appear slightly worn by late summer.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males have black upperparts, head, and throat, while females have brown in these areas. Otherwise, plumage patterns are similar.

Key field marks

• Plumage (Males). Look for the striking black head, throat, and back, heavily marked with bright white spots on the back and wings. The flanks will be a rich rufous, contrasting with a white belly.
• Plumage (Females). Similar pattern to males, but the black areas are replaced with warm brown. Still look for the white spots on the back and wings, rufous flanks, and white belly.
• Eyes. Adults have distinctive, bright red eyes, which are a key field mark. Juveniles have duller, brownish eyes.
• White Wing Patch. A small but noticeable white patch at the base of the primary feathers is visible on both sexes, especially in flight.
• Behavior. Listen for the rustling in leaf litter as it forages with its characteristic 'double-scratch' method. They often stay hidden in dense undergrowth.
• Vocalizations. Learn its distinctive 'chewink' or 'tow-hee' call and its buzzy trilling song. These are often heard before the bird is seen.

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