The Rufous-sided Towhee is a medium-sized bird found primarily in the eastern and western regions of North America. It is easily recognizable by its striking plumage, featuring a black head, white belly, and rufous (reddish-brown) sides. These birds prefer shrubby habitats, such as thickets and edges of forests, where they forage for seeds and insects on the ground. Rufous-sided Towhees are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a sharp "tow-hee." They are often seen hopping around on the forest floor, scratching at the leaf litter to uncover food. Their behavior and habitat preferences make them an important part of the ecosystem, contributing to seed dispersal and insect control.