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

This Tufted Flycatcher was found by Theresa Lawson on 10 March and photographed by Chris McCreedy on 12 March 2017

There are three accepted records of Tufted Flycatcher in Arizona scattered across the state. Since 2015 there are 3 pending records one of which is of a pair in Ramsey Canyon which returned and successfully breed in 2016.

This bird was observed near the Bledsoe Loop at Ramsey Canyon. Notably, one was observed here early in 2016 before the birds were regularly seen on their territory far up the canyon. This bird was seen after one was seen on that territory, raising the possibility that it was 1) that bird which happened to come down in elevation over great distance the day I saw it (seems sort of unlikely); 2) one of the birds later found at Carr Campground, a new territory; or 3) an entirely different bird.

Unmistakable small flycatcher with cinnamon underparts and a conspicuous crest.

12 March 2017, photo by Chris McCreedy