Townsend's Solitaire

Overview

Townsend's solitaire is a medium-sized thrush and the only solitaire native to America north of Mexico. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of approximately 8–9.5 inches (20–24 cm) with a 14.5 inch (37 cm) wingspan, weighing around 1.2 oz (34 g).
• Short, thick, blackish bill and a distinctive white eye ring.
• Gray plumage featuring a buffy wing stripe and white-edged flight feathers; the long tail is tapered and white-edged.
• Song consists of loud, melodious flute-like rising and falling phrases with low, husky notes and a slightly mechanical quality.

Habitat

Ranges from southern Alaska, British Columbia and Alberta to northern Zacatecas in Mexico, preferring montane woodlands. During winter, it may move to lower elevations, including the Great Plains, northern interior Mexico, and desert oases to search for food.

Diet

Feeds primarily on berries and insects. In winter, its diet consists almost entirely of the fleshy cones of the juniper bush, making it one of the most specialized North American birds.

Did you know?

The species is among the most specialized of all North American birds, as individuals form and strongly defend territories around productive juniper patches to secure winter food.