Spotted Towhee (male)

Description:

An easily distinguished species. The male has a black head, red eyes, chestnut flanks and sides, white belly and black wings with white spots. Females appear similar to males, but are dark brown while males are black.

Habitat:

Spotted along one of the trails at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Spotted Towhees are found in shrubby habitats in forested lowlands throughout Washington. They often use shrubby thickets in residential areas, on clear-cuts, and around wetlands. In eastern Washington, they use edges and riparian areas near shrub-steppe.

Notes:

Spotted Towhees vary in their migration patterns. Western Washington birds are resident. Although some eastern Washington birds remain at lower elevations, most leave the area for wintering grounds in the western and southwestern United States.