Tufted Flycatcher (Mitrephanes phaeocercus), Ramsey Canyon, Cochise County

This nest-building Tufted Flycatcher was found and photographed by Mark Phillips on 22 May 2015, and also photographed by Bruce N. Berman on 22 May, by Charles Melton on 23 May, and by Jeff Bray on 30 May. Although there were some reports of two birds present at the site soon after the discovery, most reports were of a single bird until 11 June, when a second bird (presumably a male) began attending the nest while the other incubated. The two birds were photographed together on 11 June 2015 by Will Brooks (only the bill is visible on the bird on the nest).

There are seven prior records of this species for the U.S., three of which are from Arizona. There are no prior U.S. breeding records.

Unmistakable small flycatcher with cinnamon underparts and a conspicuous crest.

22 May 2015, photo by Mark Phillips

 

22 May 2015, photo by Bruce N. Berman

 

23 May 2015, photo by Charles Melton

 

30 May 2015, photo by Jeff Bray

 

11 June 2015, photo by Will Brooks

 

 

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