The white-eared solitaire is a species of bird in the family Turdidae found in Bolivia and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the humid eastern slopes of the Andes in Peru and Bolivia, favoring subtropical and tropical moist montane and cloud forests. It uses mature forest interiors, edges, and well-structured secondary growth where fruiting trees are present. Birds forage from the understory to the mid-canopy and along mossy ravines and gullies. It is sensitive to extensive deforestation but persists in protected montane reserves and intact forest tracts.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy thrush of Andean cloud forests, the white-eared solitaire is named for its striking, clean white ear patch that contrasts with otherwise dark plumage. Its song is a series of clear, fluty, melancholic whistles that carry far through the forest. It forages quietly, often alone or in pairs, focusing on fruit but also taking insects when available.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through forest understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, moving methodically while foraging. Breeding pairs build mossy cup nests in sheltered sites such as banks or protected ledges. Likely monogamous during the breeding season and defends small territories around nesting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, fluty, mournful whistles with rich, pure tones that carry through the forest. Phrases are spaced and melodious, often given from concealed perches at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Mostly dark slate-gray to blackish with a contrasting, sharply defined white ear patch; underparts grayish, wings and tail dark.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries from forest trees and shrubs, especially during peak fruiting periods. Supplements diet with insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage or picked from trunks and branches. Will track seasonal fruit availability and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory to mid-canopy of humid montane forests, along edges, and in mossy ravines. Often visits fruiting trees and shrubs in semi-open forest gaps.
