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Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), 6.5 mi. north of Payson; upper East Verde River, Gila County

This Red-billed Tropicbird was photographed by Thory Smith on 14 August 2014 and Jan Miller on 22 Aug 2014

This juvenile was found at 0600 by Genevieve Price in "Beaver Valley", a small community along the upper East Verde River approximately 6.5 mi. north of Payson at an elevation of 4850 ft. The photo was taken by a neighbor Thory Smith. Coordinating with AZGFD Wildlife Manager, David Daniels, Thory took it to Liberty Wildlife in Scottsdale for rehabilitation on 15 Aug and as of 22 Aug the bird was doing fine where it was photographed by Jan Miller. In late August Liberty Wildlife was able to send the bird to Sea World in San Diego for release.

Accidental to casual vagrant to Arizona this would be the 8th record if accepted. Interestingly these records span 6 different months and 6 different counties (this would be a first both for August and for Gila Co. and likely the most "inland" record in the state).

Sitting young tropicbirds are a difficult identification and with a previous record of White-tailed Tropicbird for Arizona care should be taken. Note the white crown (White-tailed should have some spotting) and black mask extending onto the nape and behind the head (White-tailed should be bolder in front of the eye and stop before the nape). The best identification feature is the black primary coverts (white in White-tailed) visible on the spread wing photo.


14 August 2014, photo by Thory Smith


22 August 2014, photo by Jan Miller

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer

Submitted on 19 August 2014

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