Aztec Thrush (Ridgwayia pinicola), Aliso Spring, Santa Rita Mtns., Pima County

This Aztec Thrush was found and photographed by Laurens Halsey and by John Groves on 13 June 2016.

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. Casual in spring with three prior spring records. These numbers do not include a previous report from the Santa Rita Mountains this spring, which was a different bird based on different patterns of white in the wing and tail, face pattern, and leg color. If accepted by the ABC, this will be the first record in Pima County.

The striking black and white pattern on the wings, visible both in flight and while perched, is a good indicator of the species combined with brown hood, back, and tail (with white tip), white underparts, and robin-like bill.

13 June 2016, photo by Laurens Halsey

 

13 June 2016, photo by John Groves

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