Rufous-sided Towhee Delights Birders With Bold Colors
The Rufus-sided towhee, once called the spotted towhee, is a recognizable large sparrow with a shiny black head and white belly, red flanks, and a fiery red eye. Males perch on exposed sites to sing and defend territory while females are browner with less white on the wings. Nesting begins in May in low bushes, with three or four pale eggs. Both parents feed the young and keep the nest clean. The bird’s bustling personality and vibrant song make it a favorite among birders.