The Spotted Towhee

February 01, 2023 00:04:23
The Spotted Towhee
Growing Native with Petey Mesquitey
The Spotted Towhee

Feb 01 2023 | 00:04:23

/

Show Notes

I remembered that one spring when we were up in Santa Fe visiting family and out on a hike it seemed there was a spotted towhee noisily foraging in every shrub. Noisily! Sometimes you will hear them rustling around before you see them and like all towhees they are busy rascals!

The genus name Pipilo for towhees was created by Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1816 when he described the eastern species. I’ve found his name associated with a bunch of bird species. He was an early birder…ha, ha.

The 2 legged back hop scratch is little more difficult than some of my other dance moves like the twist or the jitterbug, but I’m getting it. I think I will shorten the name to “the towhee.” I’m already visioning folks circling me and shouting “Do the towheee, Petey. Do the towhee!”

Oh, and the photo is by Laura Hughes. Thank you to her!

Other Episodes

Episode 0

February 21, 2022 00:03:46
Episode Cover

Zoned Out!

Growing plants and being involved in horticulture since 1980 meant knowing the USDA’s plant hardiness zones so I could jabber to folks knowingly (Ha!)...

Listen

Episode 0

November 14, 2023 00:04:31
Episode Cover

Acorn Gatherers

When Ms. Mesquitey and I gather acorns to plant we bag up hundreds, but I can never resist nabbing a few if I see...

Listen

Episode 0

October 11, 2022 00:04:22
Episode Cover

Morning Songs

My morning ditties are not nearly as amazing as the song of a curved bill thrasher, but they help me begin the day. If...

Listen