Townsend\'s Solitaire

1/250s at f9.0, ISO:800, Canon Mark IV 1D w/800mm, x1.4 converter


This solitaire ranges from southern Alaska, British Columbia and Alberta south to northern Zacatecas, preferring montane woodlands. During winter, it may move in search of food to lower elevations, including the Great Plains, northern interior Mexico, and even desert oases. It feeds primarily on berries and insects. The Solitaire is amongst the most specialized of all North American birds since its diet in winter consists almost entirely of the fleshy cones of the Juniper bush. The nest resembles a cup of fine plant material on or close to the ground. Townsend\'s Solitaire usually lays 3 to 4 eggs that are grayish-white with brown dots or splotches concentrated at the larger end.
Calgary, Canada
 
05/18/2012