Townsend's Solitaire

Townsend's Solitaires are Rare during Spring Migration peak time.

Habitat

The Townsend's Solitaire open forests where it catches aerial prey, and tall trees to perch on. dry, coniferous forests throughout Washington, Townsend's Solitaires are also found in wetter areas if the terrain is rugged enough to produce a patchy, open forest.

Behavior

In migration and during dispersal, Townsend's Solitaires may form small flocks. Usually seen alone, defending territories in the winter as well as in the breeding season, the Townsend's Solitaire perches upright high in a tree. From this perch, the male sings to defend his territory. The Townsend's Solitaire flies from a perch to catch flying insects, or pounces on prey on the ground. It also may hover while gleaning food from the surface of leaves and twigs.