The rufous-brown solitaire is a species of bird in the thrush family Turdidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Amazon Basin and Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs from lowland humid terra firme and varzea forests to lower montane cloud forests across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Most often inhabits the shaded interior and edges of mature forest, but can also use secondary growth with good canopy cover. Frequently associated with fruiting trees and forested ravines. Typically solitary or in pairs within the midstory and subcanopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive thrush is more often heard than seen, delivering rich, fluty whistles from the forest interior. Its species name, leucogenys, refers to the pale cheek patch that helps distinguish it. As a fruit-eater, it plays a role in seed dispersal across tropical forests of northern South America.
Temperament
shy and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs inside dense forest. During breeding it forms monogamous pairs and nests discreetly in well-hidden locations within shrubs or low trees. Territorial singing from midstory perches is common.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, flute-like series of mellow whistles with clear, resonant notes that carry through the forest. Phrases are delivered at measured intervals and may cascade or slightly vary in pitch. Calls include soft, thin contact notes when moving through cover.
