Eastern Towhee
Pipilo erythrophthalmus

play song

Many people know the song of the eastern towhee because it appears to say "drink your tea" 

Field Marks
  • Black cone-shaped bill
  • Red eyes 
  • Rusty sides
  • White belly
  • Long tail with white outer tail feathers
  • Male has black head back, wings and tail (all of these are brown on female)

Habitat

Common in the undergrowth and along the edges of eastern woods.  Often see scratching among dead leaves on the ground in dense thickets.

Status

The Eastern Towhee is a permanent resident of the metro-Atlanta area and can be seen commonly in hedgerows and in back yards.