The Eastern Towhee

Towhee, 4x4" Oil on Board, 2016

The towhee, a member of the sparrow family, is a most elusive bird.  It feeds primarily on the ground.  I very rarely see it in the trees.  So, I was quite lucky to capture it sitting on this branch.  When they feed on the ground they stand with both legs parallel and then hop back dragging leaves and debris with the feet. This exposes insects for feeding.  This foraging is so noisy that one would think a deer or squirrels are the actors.