Eared Quetzal (Euptilotis neoxenus), Cave Creek Canyon, Cochise County

This Eared Quetzal was found by Peg Abbott and Helen Snyder on 08 June 2020 and photographed by Steve Wolfe and Patricia Isaacson on 09 June 2020, by Chris Rohrer and Bob Rodrigues on 13 June 2020, and by Peg Abbott (also on 16 June 2020), Gary Rosenberg, and Mary McSparen on 14 June 2020.

Eared Quetzal is casual to the mountains of Arizona with 25 previously accepted records. Majority of records are from the late 1980's/early 90's in southeast Arizona (though it has occurred into central Arizona) with a decline in records in recent years

Distinctive if seen well. Note the small head, broad tail with large white tips to the individual feathers, green wings, and the bright red belly contrasting with the gray chest. As this is an immature male it shows mix of green feathers on the head and chest. Also note the two generations of flight feathers.

09 June 2020, photo by Steve Wolfe

09 June 2020, photo by Patricia Isaacson

13 June 2020, photo by Bob Rodrigues

14 June 2020, photo by Gary Rosenberg

13 June 2020, photo by Chris Rohrer

14 June 2020, photo by Mary McSparen

14 June 2020, photo by Peg Abbott

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer