Eastern Towhee by the Feeders

A striking eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) was seen frequenting the Visitor Center feeders this week, scratching through seed and leaf litter with its signature two-footed hop. Males are easy to spot with their bold black, white, and rufous plumage, while females show the same pattern in warm brown tones. Their familiar “drink-your-tea!” call is a common soundtrack of shrubby edges and forest understories. 

Photo by Bill Moses.