Observations on the Breeding Habits of the Red-Eyed Towhee

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Abstract
In the spring and summer of 1938, a study was made on Pipilo e. erythrophthalmus in Rowan County, Kentucky. In late March, the winter aggregations began to disperse, and each male established a nesting territory. The earliest nest discovered contained one egg on April 4. Six first nests were observed; 5 were located on the ground. The bark of wild grape was a prominent structural material in the nest. Five nests contained 4 eggs each; a 6th contained one. The incubation period was 12-13 days. In no case was the male observed to incubate. Two known 2d nests were observed; in each case, 3 eggs made up the complete clutch. The height of 9 nests (presumably all 2d and 3d nests) situated off the ground varied from 2 feet 6 in. to 9 feet 4 in. For the first few days of their existance, the young birds were fed soft larvae, as they grew older they were fed harder foods. If disturbed by daily weighings, the young left the nest at 7 days of age.

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