THE TOWHEE. 



No. 43. 



TOWHEE. 



A. O. U. Xo. 587. Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linn). 

 Synonyms. — Chewink; Ground Robin; Red-eyed Towhee. 



Description. — Adult male: Glossy black; belly abruptly white; sides chest- 

 nut to yellowish brown ; flanks and crissum tawny ; whitish marks on inner quills ; 

 outer primaries edged with white at base on outer web, and at an interval along 

 margin increasing inwards, forming a white spot with a "tail" ; three outer pairs 

 of tail-feathers broadly tipped with white, the outermost pair for half its length; 

 black feathers of throat with concealed white bases; bill black; feet pale brown. 

 Adult female : Like the male except black replaced by warm brown, brightest 

 on breast, darkening behind; somewhat smaller. Adult male, length, 7.50-9.00 

 (190.5-228.6); av. of five Columbus males: wing 3.44 (87.4); tail 3.66 (93.); 

 bill .52 (13.2). 



Recognition Marks. — Chewink size; black, white, and chestnut in masses; 

 "Chewink" cry; semi-skulking, terrestrial habits. 



Nest, on the ground, of dead leaves, strips of bark, etc., lined with fine 

 grasses. Eggs, 4 or 5. white, thickly and evenly speckled with reddish brown. 

 Av. size, .05 x .71 (24.1 x 18.). 



