Uncommon in W. Very rare winter visiter to E. Formerly conspecific with EATO. Very similar and sometimes hybridizes. Most striking difference from EATO is heavily spotted and streaked upperparts, boldest on the wings. However, SPTO does not have a white patch at base of primaries. ♀: darker and grayer. As towhees are often heard before seen, listen for harsher and buzzier call, ‘zareeee.’ Hybrids show intermediate characters.