Spotted Towhee (Rufous-sided towhee), Pipilo maculatus
Migration of the Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee has some seasonal movements in elevation.
Diet of the Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee forages for insects and seeds in the leaf liter. During the breeding season birds eat mainly insects or other arthropods high in protein. The rest of the year they eat mostly seeds and berries. They even eat acorns
Range of the Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee is a resident in California. It is not found in high elevations, desert areas, or the Central Valley.
Habitat/plant community used by the Spotted Towhee
Chaparral Pinyon-Juniper woodland
How to attract the Spotted Towhee to your garden
The Spotted Towhee likes dense shrubs to nest and forage under. They also like Oaks and tall shrubs to perch on.
Nesting Habitats used by the Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee nests on the ground usually under a Scrub oak, Quercus berberidifolia, or Mountain mahogany, Cercocarpus betuloides or other dense shrubs. Ground Squirrels, Scrub Jays, and Snakes prey on eggs and young birds.
