ILLUSTRATION
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PHOTOS
CONSERVATION STATUS
The Townsend's Solitaire has a large range, estimated globally at 3,600,000 square kilometers. Native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this bird prefers shrubland or forest ecosystems. The global population of this bird is estimated at 770,000 individuals and does not show signs of decline that would necessitate inclusion on the IUCN Red List. For this reason, the current evaluation status of Townsend's Solitaire is Least Concern.
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SUMMARY
Overview
Townsend's Solitaire: Small thrush, gray overall and slightly darker above. Eye-ring is thin and white. The wings have pale rust-brown patches and black flight feathers. Outer tail feathers are white. Perches upright and remains still for long periods of time and is easily overlooked.
Range and Habitat
Townsend's Solitaire: Breeds in mountains from Alaska to the Northwest Territories, and from British Columbia to South Dakota, California, and central Mexico. Spends winters from southern Canada southward, usually at lower elevations in breeding range. Also ranges eastward to Nebraska. In summer, frequents montane coniferous forests around 3,000 feet below the timberline; in winter, descends to canyons with open juniper forests on lower slopes.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to Call
Townsend's Solitaire
Voice Text
"tew", "eek", "whee"
INTERESTING FACTS
- The Townsend's Solitaire is the only solitaire native to America north of Mexico.
- The name of this bird commemorates the ornithologist John Kirk Townsend.
- During the winter, the male and female are both strongly territorial, defending patches of juniper trees against other solitaires and other birds.
- A group of thrushes are collectively known as a "hermitage" and a "mutation" of thrushes.
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