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Eastern Towhee Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Towhees are a kind of large sparrow. Look for their thick, triangular, seed-cracking bill as a tip-off they’re in the sparrow family. Also notice the chunky body and long, rounded tail.

    Relative Size

    30% bigger than a Song Sparrow and twice as heavy. Smaller than a robin.

    Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 6.8-8.2 in (17.3-20.8 cm)
      • Weight: 1.1-1.8 oz (32-52 g)
      • Wingspan: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)

Regional Differences

A subspecies in southern Georgia and Florida has a pale yellow eye instead of the red eye seen elsewhere in the East.