Russet Nightingale-Thrush Catharus occidentalis

Formerly considered to be conspecific with Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus frantzii), there in fact is no evidence of interbreeding between these two similar species where they overlap in western Mexico. Russet Nightingale-Thrush, which as its name suggests is principally uniform warm rufous above, is a Mexican endemic; four subspecies are recognized, and some authorities have suggested that the northwestern race Catharus occidentalis olivascens merits species status, but its song is identical to that of other populations. This species is not as difficult to observe as some Catharus thrushes; it inhabits semi-arid pine–oak and oak forests, usually with a fairly open understory, and is found at 1500–3500 m. Like congenerics, Russet Nightingale-Thrush forages on the ground, and sometimes visits open areas, especially at dusk and dawn.