Townsend's Solitaire Fun Facts!

1. They Sometimes Sing in the Middle of Winter

Most songbirds save their best singing for spring, but Townsend's Solitaires occasionally sing throughout the winter, especially on bright, calm mornings. Hearing their song on a snowy day is a special treat for birders.

 

2. They Can Become Tipsy on Fermented Berries

If berries remain on shrubs long enough to ferment, Townsend's Solitaires may occasionally consume enough naturally fermented fruit to become temporarily disoriented. While uncommon, this has been observed in several fruit-eating bird species.

 

3. They Sometimes Catch Insects Like Flycatchers

During the warmer months, Townsend's Solitaires occasionally launch from a perch to snatch flying insects out of the air before returning to the same perch. This hunting technique is known as "hawking" and is more commonly associated with flycatchers.

 

4. They're More Common Than Most People Realize

Because of their quiet gray plumage, Townsend's Solitaires are often overlooked. Once you learn their shape, behavior, and beautiful song, you may start noticing them throughout Colorado's foothills and mountain parks every winter.

 

5. They're Built for Mountain Living

Townsend's Solitaires breed at elevations exceeding 10,000 feet in parts of the Rocky Mountains. Their ability to thrive in cool, rugged environments makes them one of Colorado's true mountain specialists.

 

6. They're Patient Hunters

When feeding on insects, Townsend's Solitaires often perch quietly while watching the ground below. Instead of constantly searching, they wait for movement before dropping down to capture beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, or other prey.