Black solitaire

The black solitaire is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

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Distribution

Region

Chocó biogeographic region and Western Andes

Typical Environment

Occurs on the west slope of the Andes and adjacent lowlands of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Favors humid evergreen forest, including mature foothill and montane cloud forest, and sometimes well-developed secondary growth. Most activity is in the mid-story to canopy, often near fruiting trees. It may venture along forest edges and ridges but avoids heavily fragmented habitats.

Altitude Range

200–2200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size23–25 cm

Wing Span34–38 cm

Male Weight0.11 kg

Female Weight0.1 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A shy, canopy-dwelling thrush of humid Chocó forests, the black solitaire is most often detected by its rich, fluty whistles. It is an important seed disperser thanks to a fruit-heavy diet. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion is its primary threat in parts of its range.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats through mid-story; strong but direct when crossing gaps

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally joining loose mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Builds a cup nest placed on sheltered branches or in dense foliage. Both parents are thought to participate in feeding the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of clear, mellow, fluty whistles delivered at measured pace, often from concealed perches. Calls include thin, high tseep notes used for contact.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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