Editing Spotted towhee (section)

===Breeding and nesting===
[[File:Pipilo_maculatus_in_Stanley_Park.jpg|thumb|left|Spotted towhees forage on the ground or in low vegetation.]] They nest either on the ground or low in bushes, seldom more than {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} above the ground<ref name="r1" /> and most nests are around {{convert|40|cm|ft|abbr=on}} above the ground.<ref name="r3" /> The location for the nests is usually found in exposed areas, but conceal the nest as it is being built.<ref name="r11"/> The female builds the nest over a period of about five days. It is bulky and sturdily made of leaves, strips of bark, twigs, [[forb]] stalks, and grasses, lined with pine needles, shredded [[Bark (botany)|bark]], grass, and sometimes hair. It is usually {{Convert|4.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} in diameter with an inner ring of {{Convert|2.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} to {{Convert|4|in|cm|abbr=on}}. The nests are built so the rim is at ground level and the nest is {{Convert|2.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} deep.

At least two [[Offspring|brood]]s, consisting of three to five eggs, are laid per season. The [[Bird egg|egg]] shells are grayish or creamy-white, sometimes with a tinge of green, with reddish brown spots that can form a wreath or cap. The eggs are slightly oblong, with their dimensions being {{Convert|2|cm|in|abbr=on}} to {{Convert|2.6|cm|in|abbr=on}} long and {{Convert|1.7|cm|in|abbr=on}} to {{Convert|1.9|cm|in|abbr=on}} wide. The female incubates the eggs alone for 12 to 14 days; the young leave the nest at 10 to 12 days. Nests are parasitized by cowbirds.