If you’ve ever heard a bird call that sounds like someone saying “drink your tea,” chances are, you’ve spotted the Eastern Towhee. This bird, known for its distinctive call, is a familiar resident of Florida. You might have heard its call echoing through the underbrush, especially if you’ve spent any time in the state’s woods or forests.
The Eastern Towhee, scientifically known as Pipilo erythrophthalmus, is a fascinating bird with bold features that make it easy to recognize. Let’s take a closer look at this unique bird that calls Florida home!
A Bold and Beautiful Bird
The Eastern Towhee is often described as a large sparrow, and it certainly stands out because of its striking appearance. The male Eastern Towhee is easily recognizable with its bold black coat, warm reddish-brown sides, and a crisp white belly. It almost looks like a bird straight out of a fashion catalog! The females and juvenile birds have similar colors, but their coats are brown instead of black. Both males and females have a beautiful white patch on their wings that shines brightly when they take flight.
Their long black tails, tipped with white, add an extra layer of charm. Although they are striking to look at, spotting them can be tricky. The Eastern Towhee likes to stay hidden in dense bushes and undergrowth. While their rustling sounds can be loud as they search for food, these birds are often quite hard to spot due to their preference for staying low to the ground.
The “Drink Your Tea” Call
One of the most interesting things about the Eastern Towhee is its call. It’s often described as sounding like someone saying “drink your tea.” This quirky call is part of what makes this bird so memorable. The Eastern Towhee’s typical call sounds like “chewink,” but the way it repeats, it can easily be mistaken for someone speaking those words.
Their call isn’t just a random sound; it serves to communicate with other birds and possibly warn them of nearby predators. If you’ve heard this call, it’s likely that you’ve encountered an Eastern Towhee in Florida’s forests.
Ground-Dwelling Behavior
Eastern Towhees are primarily ground dwellers. They spend most of their time on the forest floor, scratching through the leaf litter in search of food. They have a unique way of moving called “bilateral scratching.” This technique involves hopping backward and using both feet to rake through the ground, helping them uncover insects, seeds, and other food sources hiding beneath the leaves. This behavior is quite noisy for a bird of their size, making them easier to hear than to spot!
These birds are not picky eaters. They have a varied diet, which includes insects, seeds, fruit, and even small creatures like spiders, millipedes, snails, and centipedes. In spring, they may also nibble on soft leaves and flower buds. Some of their favorite foods include acorns, blackberries, blueberries, ragweeds, and smartweeds.
Nests and Parenting
Eastern Towhees are also dedicated parents. They prefer to build their nests on the ground, often hiding them in the fallen leaves. Sometimes, though, they will nest in shrubs or tangled vines, such as honeysuckle or greenbrier, but they always keep their nests close to the ground. The female does most of the brooding, but both parents work together to feed the young.
These birds are known for their strong family bonds. Both parents help take care of the chicks and make sure they get the food they need to grow. In fact, Eastern Towhees are dedicated enough to raise their young that some have been known to live for more than nine years!
Fun Facts About the Eastern Towhee
- Diet: They eat a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and seeds.
- Size: These birds are a little larger than the average sparrow.
- Call: Their call sounds like “drink your tea,” a fun and unique feature!
- Lifespan: The oldest known Eastern Towhee lived to be over nine years old.
Next time you’re out in the woods or near the underbrush in Florida, listen for the sound of the Eastern Towhee’s call. You just might spot this beautiful bird hopping along the forest floor, going about its business, and adding a special touch to Florida’s wildlife.
(Source : newsbreak.com)