For at least six years, a lone male spotted towhee has lived on our Littleton farm (and has been the subject of several past blog posts). Each spring, he has sung his heart out but failed to attract a mate; while most towhees reside in the shrub belt of the lower foothills, these large sparrows seem to be spreading across the adjacent Piedmont and have become permanent residents in our area.
Over the past two weeks, I have noticed that he is now in the company of a female, identified by her chocolate-brown head, chest and back (in sharp contrast to his black coloration). Noticeably quieter this spring, I suspect the male's vocalizations will increase once nesting begins and he feels the need to defend his territory. If all goes as nature plans, the female will construct a cup-shaped nest beneath or within low shrubs and lay anywhere from 2 to 6 eggs; since towhees may produce up to three broods each year, our farm might be over-run with their offspring by late summer!
Feasting primarily on insects during the breeding season, spotted towhees also consume seeds and berries; most of their food is located by scratching through leaf litter and it is that activity that often draws our attention to their presence. I wish to publicly congratulate our longtime bachelor and hope that the couple will spend many happy years on the farm!
Over the past two weeks, I have noticed that he is now in the company of a female, identified by her chocolate-brown head, chest and back (in sharp contrast to his black coloration). Noticeably quieter this spring, I suspect the male's vocalizations will increase once nesting begins and he feels the need to defend his territory. If all goes as nature plans, the female will construct a cup-shaped nest beneath or within low shrubs and lay anywhere from 2 to 6 eggs; since towhees may produce up to three broods each year, our farm might be over-run with their offspring by late summer!
Feasting primarily on insects during the breeding season, spotted towhees also consume seeds and berries; most of their food is located by scratching through leaf litter and it is that activity that often draws our attention to their presence. I wish to publicly congratulate our longtime bachelor and hope that the couple will spend many happy years on the farm!
