Pipilo erythrophthalmus, commonly known as the Eastern Towhee, is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the eastern United States and extends into southeastern Canada. Its geographical range stretches from Minnesota to Maine in the north, and as far south as Florida and Texas.

The Eastern Towhee typically inhabits shrubby, dense vegetation such as thickets, forest edges, overgrown fields, and brushy areas. These environments are characterized by a mixture of open spaces and dense, low-lying vegetation which provides cover and feeding grounds. The climate within its range varies considerably, with the species adapting from the temperate zones of the northern United States and Canada to the subtropical climates of the southeastern U.S.

The Eastern Towhee is generally ground-dwelling, often found foraging through leaf litter for seeds and small insects. Its ecological niche includes a diet that spans both plant material and animal prey, adapting to seasonal variations. It plays a role in seed dispersal and as a prey species to various predators, maintaining the balance in its typical habitat.