How to Spot a Townsend's Solitaire

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Find the Townsend's Solitaire in its preferred range and habitat. In the winter, you'll see the Townsend's Solitaire living in mountain valleys, canyons or beaches from southern Canada southward across the western United States. In the winter, this bird lives as far east as parts of Nebraska. In the summer breeding season, look for the bird in mountains or open coniferous forests from Alaska and western Canada southward into the western United States and central Mexico.
Step 2:
Take note of the Townsend's Solitaire's size. This medium sized bird measures between 8 and 9 inches in length, and it weighs between 1 and 1.25 oz. The Townsend's Solitaire has a wingspan of 13 to 14.5 inches.
Step 3:
Observe the appearance of a Townsend's Solitaire. This songbird has gray underparts and dark gray upperparts. It has a long, forked tail with some white outer tail feathers. The wings are pointed and dark gray, with some buff colored patches. Townsend's Solitaires also have white eye rings and dark, short and wide beaks.
Step 4:
Listen to the sounds of the Townsend's Solitaire. (See link in Resources.) The song of this bird is long and contains many clear and warbling notes. The Townsend's Solitaire's call is high-pitched and sounds like either "tew," "whee" or "eek." They're especially vocal during the fall months while they try to protect their territories for the upcoming winter.
Step 5:
Watch the Townsend's Solitaire in flight. This particular bird has an irregular flight pattern and changes its flight direction frequently and quickly. During flight, look for short glides alternated with slow wing beats.

Tips & Warnings

The Townsend's Solitaire's diet consists mostly of juniper berries, so look for the bird near juniper bushes or trees.
The Townsend's Solitaire can remain still for a long time while it perches. You'll have to watch carefully so you don't miss seeing this bird.

Resources

Listen to a Townsend's Solitaire

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