The eastern towhee, sometimes called the joree, is a permanent resident through the Peach State. Here it can be found in backyards that feature patches of shrubs.

The eastern towhee spends most of its life on or within a few feet of the ground in its dense shrubby lair. Here it builds its nest and feeds.

When looking for food, the bird scratches through fallen leaves in search of hidden seeds and insects, spiders, sow bugs and even small snakes and lizards.

The towhee is more often heard than seen.  I know that you have probably heard it singing.  This eight-inch bird sounds like it is saying drink-your-teeee. This secretive bird also often calls to-hee or joree.

The female eastern towhee looks much like the male depicted here, with the exception that the in those places where the male’s plumage is black, it is brown instead.

The Eastern towhee will frequent bird baths and feeders. It prefer to feed on the ground.  It is particularly fond of black oil sunflower seeds, however, it will also dine on millet, suet and white bread.