Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus), Douglas, Cochise County

This Rufous-backed Robin has been visiting the yard of Arnold Moorhouse in Douglas since at least 23 December 2007.  It was photographed on 20 March 2008 by Michael Carlson. 

Rufous-backed Robin is a rare, but regular, transient and winter visitor to central and southeast Arizona in habitats ranging from lowland riparian areas to mid-elevation canyons.  A few individuals are usually recorded annually.  It is usually found strongly associated with hackberries on which it feeds. 

Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

20 March 2008 photo by Michael Carlson