Spotted Towhee vs Eastern Towhee

In short

The Spotted Towhee and Eastern Towhee are similar in size and shape, but can be distinguished by their plumage and geographic range. The Spotted Towhee is found in the western US and has distinctive white spots on its wings and back, while the Eastern Towhee is found in the eastern US and lacks these spots.

Identification tips

1. Look for white spots on the wings and back for Spotted Towhee. 2. Consider geographic location: western US for Spotted Towhee, eastern US for Eastern Towhee. 3. Listen for song differences: harsh trill for Spotted, 'drink-your-tea' for Eastern.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with a robust body and long tail typical of towhees.

Plumage

The Spotted Towhee has white spots on its wings and back, which are absent in the Eastern Towhee. The Eastern Towhee has a more uniform black or dark brown back depending on the sex and region.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit a distinctive two-footed scratching behavior to uncover food on the ground.

Habitat

Spotted Towhees are found in the western US in shrubby areas, while Eastern Towhees inhabit similar environments in the eastern US. Their ranges do not typically overlap.

Voice

Vocalizations are similar but can vary regionally. The Spotted Towhee's song is often described as a harsh trill, while the Eastern Towhee's song is a clear 'drink-your-tea' phrase.