Rufous-backed Robin

A rufous-backed robin clings to a hanging dried leaf, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

I photographed this rufous-backed robin in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Although it is not one of the more “exotic” looking species I was hoping to see, as a bird photographer, I was elated to get a new species. We’re just weird that way. The only robins I had photographed before are the extremely common American robin, found throughout North America.

I was shooting up into a thick canopy, so I was happy to get the few clear shots I could. Before long, the robin flew to the upper reaches of the trees and out of sight.

A rufous-backed robin perches on the branch of a green tree, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
A rufous-backed robin perches on the branch of a green tree, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The rufous-backed robin (or rufous-backed thrush) is endemic to the Pacific side of Mexico, so this was definitely the spot to see this bird. It is shyer than the American robin, and slightly smaller. In retrospect, I was very lucky to see this bird, and even more lucky to have captured these photographs.

Copyright 2017 Hank Christensen