Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae), Chiricahua National Monument - Silver Spur Meadow Trail, Cochise County

This Rose-throated Becard was found and photographed by Paul Suchanek on 20 January 2015

Once a regular breeding species in a few locations, Rose-throated Becard has almost disappeared from Arizona in recent years, with just a few recent records in south east Arizona (this is the first since 2011). This also appears to be the first documented report from the Chiricahua Mountains.

Nearly unmistakable in this plumage with the pink throat and dark crown. The plumage pattern in combination with the large-headed, large-eyed look are typical of this species. The brownish back and limited pink on the throat indicate a young male.

20 January 2015, photo by Paul Suchanek

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