The varied solitaire is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in Colombia and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Darién (Panama) and Western Andes/Chocó (Colombia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests, especially cloud forests with dense understory and abundant fruiting trees. It favors forest interiors, ravines, and edges near primary forest. Birds are most often seen perched quietly in the midstory or along shaded trails. It tolerates some edge but is most frequent in relatively undisturbed habitat. Seasonal local movements may occur following fruit resources.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Varied Solitaire is a thrush of cloud forests, often remaining motionless for long periods while giving its rich, fluty, bell-like song. It is typically shy and keeps to the midstory, where it forages quietly at fruiting shrubs and trees. Habitat loss in montane forests can affect local populations, but it persists in well-preserved cloud forest tracts.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in the breeding season. The nest is a neat cup placed on ledges, banks, or within dense vegetation, often well concealed. Both adults participate in feeding nestlings, and family groups may stay loosely together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, fluty series of mellow whistles and ringing notes, often delivered from a concealed perch and carrying well through the forest. Calls include soft, thin whistles and subtle contact notes, with a ventriloquial quality in dense habitat.
Plumage
Smooth, soft-looking plumage with a gray head and breast, olive-brown back and wings, and warm rufous to cinnamon tones on the belly and undertail coverts. The overall look is neat and slightly glossy, with subtle contrasts rather than bold patterns.
Diet
Primarily takes small fruits and berries from forest shrubs and midstory trees. Supplements diet with insects and other small invertebrates, gleaned from foliage and branches or picked from the ground. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pauses and short sallies to pluck fruit.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded midstory and along forest edges, especially at fruiting trees and in natural gaps. Also frequents ravines, streamside vegetation, and mossy slopes where fruit is abundant.
