Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae), Tumacacori, Santa Gertrudis Lane, Santa Cruz County

This first-year male Rose-throated Becard was seen by Keith Kamper and Jerry Bock and photographed by Keith Kamper on 18 November 2009 along the river about 150 yards north of the river crossing at Santa Gertrudis Lane in Tumacacori.  It was also photographed by Dick Dionne on 23 November 2009.

The plumage of this bird is different from the one photographed and seen at this same location in late October (see here), indicating that there are probably two birds present unless the bird is actively molting. 

This species nested regularly in Arizona, most reliably at Patagonia, from 1947 to 2006.  However, since they stopped breeding in Arizona, there is no longer anywhere in the US accessible to the public where these becards can be reliably found.  They are now only casual winter visitors and transients in Arizona and Texas.  Because of this change in status, they were upgraded to a Review Species by the ABC in 2008.  Reasons for this apparent range contraction are unknown. 

Unmistakable in this plumage with the pink throat and dark crown. 

18 November 2009, photo by Keith Kamper

23 November 2009, photos by Dick Dionne

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