American Redstart x ? hybrid (Setophaga ruticilla x ?), Dean and Beloat Riparian Area, Maricopa County

This American Redstart hybrid was found and photographed by Caleb Strand on 13 August 2015

The overall aspect of this bird is of an American Redstart, with yellow base of the tail and on the sides/flanks, and a gray head. It also behaved like a typical American Redstart. However, the black and yellow on the breast and white wing-bars are unlike an American Redstart and suggest that this is a hybrid. Magnolia Warbler is one possibility, having a black breast-band and yellow underparts along with white in the wings. However, traits can express in unexpected ways in hybrid birds, and we likely can't tell for certain what the other parent is.

13 August 2015, photo by Caleb Strand

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