Eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) |
If you have an older field guide, this bird was once called the rufous-sided towhee but several years ago it was split from the more western population and what emerged was two species: the eastern (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) and the spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus). Apparently, they knew the difference all along, it just took us awhile to catch up.
Wayne's photo is of the male eastern, the female is brown in the places that he is black. But, they already know that. I wonder if they know the difference between the New World sparrows and Old World sparrows. Or does it even matter?
N'est-ce pas?
- Photo by Wayne Mallinger
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1 comment:
I always learn so much from you! Thank you for this great photo of a bird I have always enjoyed, and the information as well!
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