Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus), Catalina Foothills, Pima County

This Rufous-backed Robin was found and photographed by Julian Donahue on 09 September 2018

Found freshly dead at a private residence. This is a hatch-year bird based on the tapered tail feathers and the pale shaft-streaks on the upperwing coverts, suggesting the possibility that nesting may have occurred in the adjacent Santa Catalina Mts. Specimen has been frozen and will be deposited in an appropriate museum.

A casual transient and winter visitor to central and southeast Arizona in habitats ranging from lowland riparian areas to mid-elevation canyons. Very few reports have come from the summer months.

Rusty back and upper wing coverts, dark streaking on mostly white throat, orange bill, and lack of white arcs around eye identify this species

09 September 2018, photo by Julian Donahue

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