Image by Doug JansonImage by 20090714-bird.jpg The painted bunting is often called "the most beautiful bird in North America."

After being awarded a fellowship, College of Charleston masters student Sarah Latshaw chose to study the exotic-looking painted bunting.

The colorful bird is native to the Lowcountry and is threatened by increased development and human capture.

The Post and Courier has penned a story about Latshaw and the bird that is becoming evermore scarce.