Watercolor portrait of Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus
Year-round resident over much of the Pac… Brushy edges, chaparral, woodland unders… Common Buzzy Trill

Learn to identify the Spotted Towhee by ear. Master the "ch’reeeeeee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ch’reeeeeee”

What the Spotted Towhee sounds like

A boldly patterned sparrow-sized bird of western North America, the Spotted Towhee combines jet-black upperparts (male) with crisp white spotting and rich rufous flanks. It scratches noisily in leaf litter with a double-kick of its feet, often revealing itself with its ringing songs and sharp calls.

“ch’reeeeeee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A rapid, dry trill of 1–3 seconds, descending slightly and delivered from an elevated perch; northern birds average faster tempo than coastal populations. Often written as “ch’reeeeeee”.
Don't confuse with:The Eastern Towhee — lacks white spots on back and wings—plainer black or brown upperparts.

Where you'll hear it

Brushy edges, chaparral, woodland understory, overgrown fields and suburban shrubbery; prefers dense tangles where it can forage on the ground but also perch up to sing.

Begins singing on territory as early as February in milder areas, nests April–July with 1–3 broods; migratory birds move August–October southward, returning March–April.

Similar species

Eastern Towhee

Lacks white spots on back and wings—plainer black or brown upperparts.

Black-headed Grosbeak (female)

Thicker bill, streaked breast, yellowish wash, no rufous flanks.

California Towhee

Uniform brown plumage without bold spotting or rufous sides.

Spotted Towhee song FAQ

What does a Spotted Towhee sound like?
A rapid, dry trill of 1–3 seconds, descending slightly and delivered from an elevated perch; northern birds average faster tempo than coastal populations. Listen for the "ch’reeeeeee" phrase.
How do I tell a Spotted Towhee from a Eastern Towhee by sound?
Eastern Towhee: Lacks white spots on back and wings—plainer black or brown upperparts.; Song a slower 'drink-your-teeea', not as long buzzy trill..
When is the best time to hear a Spotted Towhee?
Begins singing on territory as early as February in milder areas, nests April–July with 1–3 broods; migratory birds move August–October southward, returning March–April.