Black-chinned Sparrow (Spizella atrogularis), Timberland Acres subdivision, Linden, Navajo County

This Black-chinned Sparrow was photographed by Gus Hollenbeck on 06 May 2012

In 2011 the photographer reported seeing/hearing a few individuals of what he thought was this species at this location. His first observation of the birds this year was on 29 April 2012, with at least two birds singing on territory. 06 May 2012 was the first time photo documentation was obtained.

In northeastern Arizona, the Atlas surveys found only a possible small breeding population on Black Mesa in far northern Navajo County. While occurring below the Mogollon Rim in the far southern sliver of Navajo Co. on the White Mountain Apache Reservation (which was not surveyed during the Atlas), this is apparently the first time this species has been documented just above the Mogollon Rim in Navajo Co. This area of Show Low has an ecotone of chaparral (mostly manzanita and shrubby Gambel and gray oaks) mixing with pinyon-juniper woodlands and pine-oak forest, which would appear to be suitable habitat for this species. Interestingly, a small population was discovered on the southern slope of Mt. Elden in Flagstaff within the last couple of years (fide Jason Wilder).

Pink-orange bill, dark chin, gray overall with brown on back. Longish tail.

06 May 2012, photo by Gus Hollenbeck