We find Peter Rabbit having to make a brave choice as he sees Chewink, the Eastern Towhee for the first time in The Burgess Book for Children, by Thornton W. Burgess. As he is observing Chewink scratch along the ground for food, he sees Reddy Fox preparing to capture Chewink. Peter doesn’t want to be found out and eaten himself, but also can’t bear seeing Chewink eaten when he could have done something to stop it. So, he thumps his foot as warning and quickly scurries away. It’s a good reminder that taking the time to warn someone of danger is the better way, even if that danger isn’t being eaten by a fox.

Eastern Towhees are part of the very large super family of Sparrows and Finches, of which, Cardinals and Grosbeaks are also a part. Chewink is a really interesting member because he is really striking in appearance, with a black and white top and a rusty red side. As we saw in their encounter, Eastern Towhees mainly scratch on the floor looking for insects and may eat berries and wild fruits when available.

Here is what we gathered for Chewink:

Until next time, keep watching out for others <3 Kate

For more, check out: The Burgess Bird Writing & Coloring Pages and The Burgess Birds in Detail.

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