The secretive wood thrush

This is a small migratory songbird native to the eastern half of the United States. It winters in Central America. The wood thrush gets its name from where it prefers to live -- deep in the woods.

This is a seldom seen bird that spends much of its time scratching for insects among the dead leaves of the forest floor. Its technique of turning over dead leaves interspersed with short periods of looking all around keeps it safe from approaching dangers. Owls likely pose the greatest threat to adult wood thrushes, quietly swooping down for the catch. Brown feathers on the back of the wood thrush make it difficult for predators such as foxes and bobcats to see.

The wood thrush builds its nest in a tree or bush that is thick with vines that provide safety and shade for their young. The nest will look like a small version of a robin's nest, complete with mud and small pieces of dead grass.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more work by Aaron at The Painted Wren Gallery.