Slate-colored Solitaire

Overview

The slate-colored solitaire (Myadestes unicolor) is a species of bird in the family Turdidae, commonly known as the thrushes. It is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Adults are mostly slaty grey, with underparts slightly lighter than the upperparts.
• Features a broken white eye-ring, blacker primary coverts, and black flight feathers with buff edges.
• Possesses a dark bill and yellowish legs and feet.
• Juveniles display a buffish 'moustache', scaly underparts, and black-edged buff spots on the upperparts.

Habitat

Found across a disjunct range in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. It inhabits cloud forest, pine-oak, and montane evergreen forests in tropical and subtropical zones, typically at elevations between 800 and 2,500 m, though some sources suggest a range from near sea level to 2,700 m.

Diet

The slate-colored solitaire feeds on fruit and forages at all levels within the forest. Further details regarding its specific diet and foraging behaviour remain unknown.

Did you know?

In Mexico, the bird plays a significant role in some Catholic rituals.