Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus), Catalina State Park, Pima County

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.  This bird was found on 26 December 2007 by Sara Pike.  It was photographed on 20 January 2008 by Clifford Cathers.

Rufous-backed Robin is an ABC sketch details species. The ABC and North American Birds editors request that minimal (sketch) details of sightings of these species be turned in for the sighting to be included in the NAB seasonal report, and for that sighting to be considered "official" with regard to the records keeping for the state. Sketch details should include a brief description of the bird and circumstances surrounding the sighting.  Sketch details can be sent to the NAB regional editors: Gary Rosenberg (ghrosenberg AT comcast.net) or Mark Stevenson (drbrdr AT att.net). 

 

20 January 2008 photos by Clifford Cathers