Spotless

The Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) is the largest, and in my opinion the handsomest of sparrows.  They are among the most common birds seen locally.  They prefer a forest edge habitat where they forage on or near the ground.  They will also frequent  planted yards and parks where they can find food.  Their shrill call sings their name, "tow-HEEEE."  I often see them in my yard and along trails exploring thickets or scratching in leaf litter on the ground.  This bird was enjoying wild crabapple fruits in the wetlands of the Skagit River delta on Fir Island, Washington.