Blue Mockingbird (Melanotis caerulescens), Slaughter Ranch, Douglas, Cochise County

This Blue Mockingbird was discovered by Richard Webster on 4 February 2009 at the Slaughter Ranch east of Douglas.  It was photographed by Michael Moore on 05 February 2009, by Oliver Niehuis and Doug Danforth on 6 February 2009 and by Ken Kertell on 11 February 2009.

There are two previous accepted records for Arizona and two for Texas.  Birds seen in California and New Mexico were not accepted due to questions about origin.  Another earlier sight report for Arizona was not submitted to the committee. 

From Rosenberg and Witzeman, 1999, Arizona Bird Committee Report 1974-1996, Part 2 (Passerines).  Western Birds 30: 94-120:

"Blue Mockingbird:  Two records of this "Mexican" specialty have been accepted by the A.B.C. One was along Sonoita Creek s.w. of Patagonia, SCR, 21 Dec 1991-6 Mar 1992 (RNt; ph. DTr, GR: see Am. Birds 46:298 & 332) establishing a first United States record, and the second was at Portal, COS, 4 Jan-4 Apr 1995 (BTa; ph. BSm; Figure 5). The A.B.C. was at first hesitant to accept the record from Sonoita Creek because of the possibility it was of an escaped cage bird. After the Portal record, and new information regarding movements of non-breeding birds into riparian areas during the fall and winter in Sonora (S. Russell pers. com.), the A.B.C. is comfortable accepting both records."

Overall blue color, black mask, reddish orange eye, full tail. 

05 February 2009, photos by Michael Moore

 

06 February, photo by Oliver Niehuis

06 February, photo by Doug Danforth

11 February 2009, photo by Ken Kertell

12 February 2009, photo by Dick Dionne

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer

 

Chris Benesh's recording of the soft "tchuk" calls the Blue Mockingbird makes while foraging:

  Blue Mockingbird, calls, Slaughter Ranch - 16 Feb 2009 (C. Benesh)

 

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