Aztec Thrush (Ridgwayia pinicola), Garden Canyon, Huachua Mountains, Cochise County

This Aztec Thrush was discovered on a field trip led by Homer Hanson with the Western Field Ornithologists conference on 20 August 2011 at the third concrete ford past the upper picnic area.  It was digiscoped by Bob Toleno at that time through a Swarovski AT-65 spotting scope with his iPhone 4.

Aztec Thrush is a rare visitor to the middle elevations of the mountains of SE Arizona where it often wanders widely in search of fruit. It has become increasingly regular in the last few years and has occurred almost annually since 2005, most often in the late summer and early fall when ripe fruits are most available. There are 23 previously accepted records with 3 others pending, but several of those are of multiple individuals.

Seen well it is unmistakable with its dark hood, white underparts and striking wing and tail patterns. However, with only partial looks, juvenile Spotted Towhees, which are poorly illustrated in guides, can be remarkably similar and are often mistaken for Aztec Thrushes when seen poorly.

20 August 2011, photo by Bob Toleno

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