Feather Identifier app iconFeather Identifier
Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee)
Contour feather, likely a primary or secondary wing covert, or a dark body contour feather from the mantle/wing

Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Passerellidae, Genus: Pipilo, Species: P. erythrophthalmus

Family: Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a rounded to slightly pointed tip, overall oval-elongated contour shape.
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches long, consistent with a medium-sized passerine covert or body contour feather.
Rarity
Common
Learn more about Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee) in the encyclopedia →

Found a feather like this?

Identify any feather from a photo, free.

Identify a feather

Description

The Eastern Towhee is a large sparrow with striking black upperparts, reddish-flanks, and white belly. Males have a bold black head, back, and tail with white patches on the wings and outer tail feathers, which flash prominently during flight and display.

Colour & Pattern

Deep jet black or dark charcoal base with a striking, crisp white tip on the outer edge, characteristic of the species' distinctive wing or tail markings.

Barb Structure

Pennaceous upper vane transitioning into plumulaceous base with downy barbs near the calamus, intact and well-structured.

Texture & Surface

Smooth, soft yet firm vane with a matte finish typical of passerine body and covert feathers.

Key Features

Deep black coloration contrasted sharply with a clean white terminal tip or edge.

Habitat

Brushy tangles, overgrown fields, scrubby woodlands, forest edges, and dense thickets.

Geographic Range

Resident and breeding throughout the eastern and southeastern United States and southern Canada.

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed disperser and ground-foraging insectivore, regulating invertebrate populations in brushy ecosystems.

Similar Species

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) and various dark-colored blackbirds or sparrows, distinguished primarily by range and specific white patterning.

Interesting Facts

Eastern Towhees are famous for their loud, distinctive call that sounds precisely like 'drink-te-ee-ee-beer'.

Condition Notes

Good condition, clean vane with minimal wear and intact barbs.

Notes

South east

Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee) | Feather Identifier