Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer), Gilbert Water Ranch, Gilbert, Maricopa County

This Dusky-capped Flycatcher was first identified and reported by John Yerger on 07 December 2010.  It was photographed by John at the same time.  The same bird was apparently also photographed by Steve Hosmer on 05 December 2010

Accidental in Maricopa County at any time.  Accidental in Arizona during the winter with only about five previous winter records. 

The following points differentiate this from an Ash-throated Flycatcher: much brighter yellow breast and belly, face in profile shows browner auriculars, bird has rufous edgings to the secondaries, wingbars do not appear as strong, bill small in proportion to head.  Not shown in photos, but both observers noted  a lack of rufous on the underside of the tail feathers.  The rufous on the upper tail indicates a hatch-year bird.  The bird was also heard repeatedly giving  whistled a plaintive, dropping "wheeeuu" note - very distinctive of Dusky-capped Flycatcher.

05 December 2010, photo by Steve Hosmer

07 December 2010, photo by John Yerger

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