Tim
Look for the young.  They are very distinctive.  Look in Sibley for an
illustration.  They will have white spots in the tail feathers which should
draw your eye to the bird.  They are as large as the adults as well.
Good luck.
George

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Ray" <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2004 8:32 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Need help confirming towhee for atlas


> Hello all,
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions for getting Rufous-sided Towhee confirmed
> for the atlas?  I have spent many hours in good towhee habitat (forest
> with dense understory), with "drink your tee-ee-ee-a" and "fweep" calls
> all around, but no success.  The males pop up into sight occasionally to
> sing, but the females always seem to be down low and well-hidden.
>
> Thanks,
> Tim Ray
> Columbia MD
> 
>