Townsend's Solitaire vs Brown-backed Solitaire

In short

Townsend's Solitaire and Brown-backed Solitaire can be distinguished by their plumage and vocalizations. Townsend's Solitaire is predominantly gray with a white eye-ring and subtle buff wing markings, while Brown-backed Solitaire has a brown back, black malar streak, and a broken white eye-ring. Their songs are also distinct, with the Brown-backed Solitaire known for its ventriloquial vocalizations.

Identification tips

1. Look for the gray plumage and white eye-ring of Townsend's Solitaire versus the brown back and black malar streak of Brown-backed Solitaire. 2. Note the subtle buff wing markings on Townsend's Solitaire. 3. Listen for the elaborate song of Townsend's Solitaire compared to the ventriloquial calls of Brown-backed Solitaire. 4. Consider habitat: Townsend's Solitaire prefers higher elevations in the western U.S., while Brown-backed Solitaire is found in highland forests from Mexico to Honduras.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of solitaires, with no significant difference noted in the sources.

Plumage

Townsend's Solitaire is uniformly gray with a white eye-ring and subtle buff markings on the wings. In contrast, the Brown-backed Solitaire has a brown back, dark cheeks, a black malar streak, and a broken white eye-ring.

Behaviour

Townsend's Solitaire exhibits behavior similar to flycatchers, sallying for insects, and is territorial in winter. Brown-backed Solitaire is more sedentary, feeding mainly on fruit at low to mid forest levels.

Habitat

Townsend's Solitaire is found in montane coniferous forests and juniper woodlands, often at higher elevations. Brown-backed Solitaire inhabits dense humid to semi-arid evergreen forests in highlands, ranging from northern Mexico to Honduras.

Voice

Townsend's Solitaire is known for its elaborate and beautiful song, while Brown-backed Solitaire's vocalizations are ventriloquial, making it easier to locate by sound.