Rufous-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides axillaris), Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM

NOTE: Outside the AZFO area, but posted due to extreme interest. 

This Rufous-necked Wood-Rail was discovered by Matt Daw and photographed by Anthony Giancola and Jeffrey Cohen on 07 July 2013.

A potential first US record.  Normal range is barely into southern Sinaloa in Mexico.  Normally a salt water species and mangrove specialist, it is rarely found outside this habitat, so the provenance of this bird could be an issue.  However, the second photo clearly shows it is unbanded and appears to have normal feet. 

Clapper Rail sized, chocolate brown with rufous head and neck.

07 July 2013, photo by Anthony Giancola

 

07 July 2013, photo by Jeffrey Cohen

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer