Townsend's Solitaire
A mountain thrush that may visit a western winter yard with juniper berries; its real needs are open conifer forest and fruiting native plants.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look in pine, fir, and spruce forest, high-elevation open woodland, winter juniper groves, desert washes, and fruiting shrublands.
Food
Insects and spiders in the breeding season, then mostly fruit—especially juniper berries—through winter.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Keep open conifer woodland, berry-producing native shrubs, and quiet slopes or banks; winter territories need abundant fruit.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Townsend's Solitaire habitat
Keep open conifer woodland, berry-producing native shrubs, and quiet slopes or banks; winter territories need abundant fruit.
Townsend's Solitaire diet and food
Insects and spiders in the breeding season, then mostly fruit—especially juniper berries—through winter.
A seed feeder is not useful; plant locally appropriate fruiting junipers or shrubs and let the bird use natural food.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Insects and spiders in the breeding season, then mostly fruit—especially juniper berries—through winter.
Cover & plants
Keep open conifer woodland, berry-producing native shrubs, and quiet slopes or banks; winter territories need abundant fruit.
Townsend's Solitaire nesting and breeding
Usually nests in a sheltered ground bank, hollow, or slope; keep pets and people out of likely nesting banks and do not offer a box.
Townsend's Solitaire behavior and where to look
Sits upright on prominent perches, flies out to catch insects, and can fiercely defend berry-rich winter patches.
Photography
Photograph from a distance at a berry-bearing juniper or public forest edge without displacing it from a defended food patch.
What to avoid
Do not clear native juniper, walk into cut banks during breeding season, or use food to crowd a winter territory.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
