To attract towhees to your yard, there are several strategies you can employ. These birds are primarily ground foragers, so creating the right habitat, providing suitable food, and offering a water source are key factors in attracting them.
1. Habitat:
Towhees prefer shrubby areas with low branches and dense vegetation. To attract them, maintain shrubs that have branches close to the ground. This will provide them with cover and a place to nest. Additionally, allow dry leaves and other debris to accumulate under the shrubs. This creates a natural environment that towhees are drawn to, as they like to forage for insects and seeds in leaf litter.
2. Food:
While towhees are known to eat a variety of insects and seeds, serving quality seed can help entice them to your yard. White proso millet is a good option as it is a favorite of many ground-feeding birds, including towhees. Scatter the seed on the ground or use a platform feeder to make it easily accessible for them. However, keep in mind that towhees are ground foragers, so they may prefer to search for food on the ground rather than at feeders.
3. Water:
Providing a water source is important for attracting towhees, as they need to drink and bathe regularly. Place a ground-level bird bath in a quiet and secluded area of your yard. You can enhance its appeal by adding a dripper or a source of moving water. The sound and movement will attract the attention of towhees and other birds. Ensure the bath is shallow, as towhees prefer shallow water for bathing.
It’s worth noting that attracting towhees may take time and patience. Creating the right habitat and offering food and water will increase your chances of attracting them, but it may still take some time for them to discover your yard. Be consistent in providing these elements and observe the behavior of the birds in your area to further tailor your efforts.
Personal experience: In my own yard, I have successfully attracted towhees by following these strategies. By maintaining low-branched shrubs and allowing leaf litter to accumulate, I created an inviting habitat for them. I also placed a ground-level bird bath with a dripper, which quickly caught their attention. Additionally, I scattered white proso millet on the ground, and it didn’t take long for towhees to discover the food source. Over time, they became regular visitors to my yard, adding their unique beauty and melodic calls to the avian community.