Aztec Thrush (Ridgwayia pinicola), Upper Madera Canyon, Santa Cruz County

This Aztec Thrush was found and photographed by Gary Jue on 30 May 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

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.

30 May 2016, photo by Gary Jue

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