Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus), Agua Caliente, Yuma County

This Rufous-backed Robin was found on 30 October 2008 on some private property near Agua Caliente in far eastern Yuma County (just barely west of the Maricopa line) by Rich Hoyer, Dylan Radin and Scott Schuettee.  It was photographed by Scott Schuette on 30 October 2008

Rufous-backed Robin is a rare, but regular, transient and winter visitor to central and southeast Arizona in habitats ranging from lowland riparian areas to mid-elevation canyons.  A few individuals are usually recorded annually.  It is usually found strongly associated with hackberries on which it feeds.  It is much rarer is Southwestern Arizona where this bird was found, but there a couple of previous records from the region. 

30 October 2008, photo by Scott Schuette