Myadestes townsendi
The Townsend's Solitaire (*Myadestes townsendi*) is an elegant, medium-sized thrush renowned for its ethereal, flute-like song and solitary demeanor. Measuring 20-24 cm (7.9-9.4 inches) in length with a wingspan of 37-40 cm (14.6-15.7 inches) and weighing 30-36 g (1.1-1.3 oz), it presents a sleek, overall gray plumage. Key identification marks include a prominent white eye-ring, a subtle buffy patch visible on the primaries of the folded wing, and distinctive white outer tail feathers that fl...
Primarily found in montane coniferous and mixed forests, as well as pinyon-juniper woodlands, typically at higher elevations during summer and descending to lower slopes and valleys in winter.
Primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, consuming beetles, ants, wasps, and caterpillars; shifts almost exclusively to fruits and berries, especially juniper berries, in winter, gleaned directly from plants.
Townsend's Solitaires are largely diurnal and famously solitary, rarely associating with other birds outside of the breeding season. Their foraging strategy is bimodal: in summer, they sally forth from a high perch to catch flying insects, often with impressive aerial maneuvers; in winter, they g...
The Townsend's Solitaire is widely distributed across western North America, with its breeding range extending from southeastern Alaska and Yukon Territory, south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona, New Mexico, and into the highlands of central Mexico. During the breeding season, they occupy ...
Least Concern
- The Townsend's Solitaire is one of the few bird species that maintains and fiercely defends feeding territories in winter, often centered around a cluster of juniper trees. - Its complex, flute-like song is considered one of the most beautiful and melancholy vocalizations in western North Ameri...