Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

Usually seen alone (as the name implies), Townsend's Solitaires are best known as winter visitors throughout most of the state.  Individual birds will aggressively defend a patch of junipers or other sources of berries, with occasionally violent fights breaking out between two birds. 

Habitat: Breeds in open conifer forest, requiring exposed rocky or dirt areas for nesting on the ground.  In the winter, found in woodlands and shelterbelts, especially around junipers.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects in the summer.  Primarily feeds on fruits and berries in the winter, especially juniper berries.

Behavior: In summer, feeds by observing from a perch, and flying out to catch passing insects in mid-air, or pounce on ones spotted on the ground.  They are also capable of fly-catching, capturing insects while in flight.  Also feeds on berries by climbing and flitting through foliage.

Nesting: May through July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Townsend's Solitaire song, also Townsend's Solitaire call note.

Migration: Lives in all seasons through most of the higher elevation Western U.S.  Extends its range in summer through the Canadian Rockies up into Alaska.  Extends its range in winter by moving to lower elevations in the West, and moving eastward.

Similar Species: Northern Mockingbird

Conservation Status: Populations appear to be stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Townsend's Solitaire

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Townsend's Solitaire

3) eNature.com: Townsend's Solitaire

Photo Information: November 24th, 2007 -- Near Pierre -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Townsend's Solitaire photos.