Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatis). This specie is very closely related to the Eastern Towhee, according to my Sibley’s guide. Until recently they were considered one single species. They’re both found in dense brush, where they scratch noisily through dead leaves, but are difficult to see. Stocky, long-tailed, dark head and rufous flanks. Sometimes it will appear to have a crest. I took the two following photos at Cedar Gap Farm, near Abilene, Texas.
I hope you enjoy the photos. Click on either one to see an enlargement. Here are the listings for the birds that were seen at our monthly birding tour this morning at San Angelo State Park, San Angelo, Texas.
Saturday, January 8, 2011 Total 27 species
Northern Shoveler 10
Green-winged Teal 10
American White Pelican 12
Great Blue Heron 3
Black Vulture 1
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 2
Least Sandpiper 12
Long-billed Dowitcher 6
Ring-billed Gull 200
Herring Gull 1
White-winged Dove 4
Mourning Dove 2
Golden-fronted Woodpecker 2
Black-crested Titmouse 3
Verdin 1
Bewick’s Wren 2
Northern Mockingbird 10
Curve-billed Thrasher 2
White-crowned Sparrow 12
Pyrrhuloxia 4
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Western Meadowlark 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
House Finch 8
House Sparrow 6
Happy Birding!!