Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Coon Bluff Recreation Area, Maricopa County

This Rusty Blackbird was found and photographed by Chris Benesh on 06 December 2015. A second individual was found by Tom Lewis on 27 December 2015 and photographed by Tommy DeBardeleben on 01 January 2016.

There are currently 30+ records for the state.  Populations of Rusty Blackbirds have seriously declined throughout its range due to unknown causes.

Size and shape similar to Brewer's Blackbird, with buff underparts, blackish tail and wings with rusty-edged tertials; bright rusty crown and back contrasting with gray rump; pale eye contrasting with narrow black mask and dark eyeline on an otherwise buffy face and supercilium.

06 December 2015, photo by Chris Benesh

 

01 January 2016, photo by Tommy DeBardeleben

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer