Dark-Eyed Junco or Spotted Towhee?
Here's how to tell the difference
Dark-Eyed Junco
Spotted Towhee
Dark-Eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Also known as: Snowbird
General appearance
Dark-eyed Juncos are variable in size, ranging from 5-6 1/4 inches (13-16 centimeters). They have white outer tail feathers. They typically have a solid gray hood, sides, and back. Some subspecies like 'Pink-sided Junco' and 'White-winged Junco' also display additional color variations like blue, pink, and brown. Certain variations like 'Red-backed' and 'Gray-headed' have a distinctive reddish patch on the back.
Male vs female
Males and females differ mostly in color and slightly in size. Generally, females and first-year birds are slightly browner than adult males. A male 'Oregon Junco' sports a solid black or slate hood with a chestnut back and rusty sides, while females are paler with a gray hood. 'Pink-sided' males are a bit larger than most juncos with blue-gray hood, pink sides, and brown back.
Juvenile
Juveniles, irrespective of their type, are streaky brown initially. With each molting period, they slowly attain the coloration of the adults of their specific type.
Size
5.7 - 6.5 in/0.6 - 0.8 oz
There's more to learn about Dark-Eyed Junco
View full detailsSpotted Towhee
Pipilo maculatus
Also known as: Pipilo
General appearance
The spotted towhee is a striking, medium-sized sparrow with bold coloration. It has a prominent black hood, back, and wings, complemented by distinctive white spots on the wings and back. Its sides and flanks are a rich rufous hue, while the belly remains white. A red eye adds to its distinctive look, and it has a robust, rounded body with a long, fan-shaped tail often held aloft.
Male vs female
Males are more vividly colored, displaying deep black on their hoods and backs. Females, in contrast, have a more subdued, dark brown tone replacing the black, providing some camouflage. Both sexes have similar white spots, rufous flanks, and red eyes, which remain consistent throughout their lives.
Juvenile
Juvenile spotted towhees lack the sharp contrasting coloration of adults. They exhibit a more mottled and streaky brown appearance with less vibrant rufous on the flanks. The characteristic white spots on the wings are muted, and the eyes are brown, gradually turning red as they mature.
Size
6.7 - 8.3 in/1.2 - 1.7 oz
There's more to learn about Spotted Towhee
View full detailsHow to tell the Dark-Eyed Junco from the Spotted Towhee
Visual differences
The Dark-Eyed Junco is smaller, weighing 0.63-0.78 ounces and measuring 5-6 1/2 inches in length. It has a gray or black hood and white outer tail feathers. In contrast, the Spotted Towhee is larger, 1.2-1.7 ounces, 6 3/4-8 1/4 inches long, with a black hood, back, and white-spotted wings. It also features rufous sides and a distinct red eye, whereas the Junco has a more uniform gray or brown body without striking spots or vivid color accents.
Key differences and behavior
Dark-Eyed Juncos and Spotted Towhees exhibit distinct behaviors that aid in their identification. Dark-Eyed Juncos often forage on the ground in open woodlands and suburban areas, with a diet shifting from insects in summer to seeds in winter. Conversely, Spotted Towhees search for food by scratching and pouncing in dense underbrush and chaparral, with a diverse diet of insects, seeds, and berries year-round. Juncos breed with nests usually on or near the ground, hidden under natural cover, while Towhees prefer low shrubs or ground nests in dense vegetation and display territorial songs from elevated spots during courtship. Both species share parental responsibilities, but Juncos primarily rely on the female for incubation. In terms of adaptation, Juncos can increase their feather weight by 30% in winter for insulation, a unique feature not observed in Towhees.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
Dark-Eyed Junco vs Black Phoebe
Spotted Towhee vs Eastern Towhee
Dark-Eyed Junco vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare
Spotted Towhee vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare