Rufous-backed Robin
Rufous-backed Robin
Turdus rufopalliatus
At a Glance
This Mexican specialty is similar to the American Robin in appearance, but is much more elusive, hiding in woods or dense thickets. First found in the United States in 1960, the Rufous-backed Robin recently has become almost an annual visitor. Practically every winter, one or two are found somewhere in southern Arizona; strays also have reached Texas, New Mexico, and California.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Perching Birds, Thrushes
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Forests and Woodlands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets
Region
Southwest, Texas
Behavior
Direct Flight, Rapid Wingbeats
Range & Identification
Description
Sexes similar — Length: 9-10 in (23-25 cm); wingspan: 13-14 in (33-36 cm); weight: 2.1-2.8 oz (60-80 g). A Rufous-backed Robin looks very similar to an American Robin but has no white around eye; usually stronger throat pattern and brighter yellow bill; rufous wash across back and wings.
Size
About the size of a Robin
Color
Black, Brown, Gray, Orange
Wing Shape
Broad, Rounded
Tail Shape
Rounded, Square-tipped
Songs and Calls
Song a series of rich, burry, warbled phrases, reminiscent of American Robin. Calls include a loud, descending, sibilant sssiiuu, a low tuk note (often in series), and a high, thin, lispy si in fligh
Call Pattern
Complex, Falling, Rising, Undulating
Call Type
Chirp/Chip, Flute, Trill, Whistle
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