Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), South Fork, Cave Creek, Cochise County

This Rusty Blackbird was discovered and photographed by Matt Brown on 30 March 2010.

Rusty Blackbird is a casual Fall migrant and Winter visitor to the state.   Arizona averages only one sighting about every 2-3 years.  Since this species has experienced a recent population crash over much of its range, it is expected to be much rarer from now into the foreseeable future. 

Matt writes:

"It seemed like an interesting plumage of a rarely-reported species in an unusual location.  As most sources I consulted indicate the use of ponds and wetland-type habitats, I wonder what the highest elevation the species has been known to occur in the state would be. Ours was at about 5,450 feet.

Brewer's Blackbird was considered since certain plumages can show buff to brown feather edges, but, apparently, never on the tertials. The bill may have appeared to be thinner-based than is typical of Brewer's, but such nuances as a shorter-tailed look, more crouched stance and walk, and less elegant gait of the Rusty seemed to be of little use in this instance."

30 March 2010, photo by Matt Brown