The Green Tailed Towhee spends most of its time in dense low thickets, where it forages on the ground. Like other towhees, it scratches in the leaf-litter with both feet as it searches for food. It is somewhat secretive and difficult to see so we were thrilled to get a quick glimpse at this bird when it quickly flew from a berry thicket and landed on this tree for a few seconds.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-tailed_Towhee/id
http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/green-tailed-towhee
nature has no boss 
Oh wow, I’ve only seen a green-tailed towhee once, this is a treat, Mike. You even captured the green on the tail. Rusty crest and eye. Fantastic photo.
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HI Jet, yes it is a treat to see these birds as they are usually hidden in the shrubs or in the sagebrush. We typically encounter one or two per year but that is all and mostly further away than this occasion. Hope you get to see one again and happy Monday.
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What a beauty! Skilled camerawork capturing this one, Mike. Love the backlit crest.
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HI Eliza, we were fortunate to be able to get a good photo. This birds as relativity close. Most of the time we have sen or only heard them singing at a considerable distance.
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Lucky you! It’s one of my favorite songbirds but one many have never seen. Good picture that captures their attitude.
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Hi and happy Monday. They are indeed beautiful birds yet difficult to see. We have had the luck to see them a few times and each occasion different. It is a joy to hear them perched in the spring singing.
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Wow! What a beauty, Mike. The color of the crest!
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Hello Jane, they are beautiful birds and the color of the crest is very vibrant as you point out. Hope your week is off to a great start.
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