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Tucson Audubon Society
Dastardly Duos
Rufous-backed Robin and
American Robin
by Larry Liese
Illustrations by George C. West
(Article first appeared in the November 2003 Vermilion Flycatcher
newsletter. To receive the newsletter in the mail, become a member of the Friends
of Tucson Audubon.)
One of the rarities that
southeastern Arizona is noted for is the Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus
rufopalliatus). Listed as casual in winter, it is sometimes found in
areas having wintering flocks of its common congener the American Robin
(Turdus migratorius). When one shows up, many a Christmas
Counter has crossed his fingers hoping that it will still be there on
count day.
Though not too hard to tell
apart, one has to be observant to keep a Rufous-backed from slipping
through one’s fingers. Similar in shape and almost as large as the
American Robin, differences between them range from obvious to subtle.
First and foremost, the warm rufous-colored back and upper wing coverts will clue you in to the fact that you’re not looking at an American Robin. The Rufous-backed has an overall lighter color, much more extensive black and white streaking on the throat and upper breast, and lighter colored legs. It does not have the white eye-crescents of the American, so an all-gray head is a sure giveaway. Note that this gray is much lighter than on the American, and seems to accentuate the colorful yellow-orange bill. Vocalizations are similar, though a keen ear should note them being different. Both have a rich warbling up-and-down cheerily song and chuk notes, similar—yet different.
Where do they get found? Riparian drainages towards the border have had their share of the Rufous-backed, but large numbers of wintering American Robins in the area make finding one on your own tough. In habit, the Rufous-backed is a much more secretive bird, keeping to thick brush between visits to water or food. Being patient and still may reward you when others are cursing their luck.
When one gets found, many times it will stick around for several days, making this species a hotline favorite. Sightings in recent years include the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum near Superior, the Sonoita Creek drainage near Rio Rico, and the mouth of Florida Canyon just north of Madera Canyon. So keep your eyes and ears on the rare bird alert, but keep looking at the thrushes you do see, ’cause wouldn’t it be nice to be the one calling in one of these special birds? Good luck!
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This page was updated on 02/21/06