Conservation Status Throughout its range, the Eastern Towhee has experienced major population declines during the past 30 years, particularly in the northeastern portion of the range. However, it is not listed as Endangered or Threatened by New York and is not found on the Audubon WatchList. Partners in Flight lists it is as a Species of Regional Concern in Bird Conservation Regions (BCR)13, 14, 28, and 30, and of Continental and Regional Stewardship in BCR 28. Breeding Bird Survey results for New York State reflect a drastic decline over the last four decades. Breeding Bird Atlas data show a reduced distribution in the Hudson River Valley....
Eastern Towhees (click here) usually nest on the ground, the nest cup sunk into the fallen leaves up to the level of the rim.
Only the female towhee builds the nest.
Eastern Towhees are common victims of the parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird (click here). Towhees, unlike some other birds, show no ability to recognize or remove the imposter’s eggs.
