Brown backed Solitaire

The brown-backed solitaire (Myadestes occidentalis) is a medium-sized bird from the family Turdidae, commonly considered a thrush. Known for its distinctive vocalizations and subtle beauty, this bird is found primarily in the mountains of Mexico and northern Central America. The species is notable for its association with semi-deciduous mountain forests and its rarity in the American Birding Association (ABA) area, where it has only been recorded a handful of times.

Physical Characteristics

The brown-backed solitaire is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 21 cm (8 inches) in length. Its plumage is mostly gray, with a brownish hue on the flight feathers that gives the bird its name. When perched, the brown coloring is most visible on the back and wings, contrasting against the otherwise muted gray body.

Key features include:

• Length: 21 cm (8 inches)
• Wingspan: Estimated at around 30 cm (12 inches)
• Weight: Typically 35–40 grams (1.2–1.4 ounces)
• Coloration: The bird has a prominent white eye-ring, which contrasts with its gray head. The tail, or rectrices, has white edging that is easily noticeable in flight.
• Bill: Short and dark, typical of thrushes, adapted for feeding on a variety of foods.

Vocalizations

The brown-backed solitaire is renowned for its melodious song, which is often described as bell-like or flute-like. Its song consists of a series of accelerating, descending notes, and is often heard echoing through the mountain forests. This song is considered one of the most beautiful among North American and Central American birds, often compared to the haunting melodies of other Myadestes species.

In addition to its song, the brown-backed solitaire has a variety of other vocalizations:

• Squealing metallic call: Often heard when the bird is disturbed.
• Raspy alarm call: Used to signal threats in its environment.

Taxonomy

The brown-backed solitaire is part of the genus Myadestes, which includes other thrushes commonly referred to as “solitaires.” It is closely related to other Myadestes species, including the Townsend’s solitaire (Myadestes townsendi), a bird native to western North America.

Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Turdidae
• Genus: Myadestes
• Species: Myadestes occidentalis

The genus Myadestes is notable for its beautiful songs and members of this genus are often solitary, hence their common name. The brown-backed solitaire is monotypic, meaning no subspecies are currently recognized.

Distribution and Range

Geographic Range

The brown-backed solitaire is relatively common in mountainous regions of Mexico and northern Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. It inhabits montane forests at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 meters (4,900 to 11,500 feet). Its preference for semi-deciduous and mixed pine-oak forests makes it a bird of the uplands, where it often stays close to streams and other moist environments.

In the American Birding Association (ABA) area, the brown-backed solitaire is a rarity, with only a few documented sightings, particularly in southern Arizona’s Huachuca and Chiricahua Mountains. The first accepted ABA record came from Miller Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains in 2009, making it a highly sought-after bird for North American birders.

Population

Though considered relatively common in its native range, precise population estimates for the brown-backed solitaire are difficult to ascertain due to its habitat preferences and relatively secretive nature. Its population is thought to be stable, with no significant declines reported.

Population Table by Region

Habitat

Preferred Habitat

The brown-backed solitaire thrives in montane forests, particularly in semi-deciduous and mixed pine-oak forests. These habitats offer the dense understory, ample moisture, and abundant food resources that the species requires. The bird often chooses to reside near streams or moist areas within the forest, which support the fruits and insects it feeds on.

While it prefers remote, forested areas, the brown-backed solitaire can sometimes be found at the edges of these habitats, especially near clearings or along trails, where it forages for food.

Behavior

Perching and Flight

The brown-backed solitaire is often seen perching high in the forest canopy, remaining still for long periods in a characteristic upright posture. Like other Myadestes species, it is known for its solitary behavior, generally foraging and singing alone. When disturbed, it may give its metallic call and take to flight, displaying the white markings on its tail feathers.

Its flight is swift and agile, allowing it to navigate through the dense vegetation of its forested habitat. Although generally elusive, it can be quite vocal, especially during the breeding season, when males sing to establish and defend their territories.

Feeding

The brown-backed solitaire is omnivorous, with a diet consisting primarily of fruit and insects. It feeds on a variety of fruits, including berries, figs, and other small forest fruits, and supplements its diet with insects, particularly during the breeding season when protein intake is critical for raising young.

Insect feeding is often done by gleaning from foliage or catching insects in mid-air, while fruit is plucked directly from trees or shrubs.

Breeding

Nesting and Reproduction

The breeding season for the brown-backed solitaire typically begins in late spring, continuing through the summer months. They build their nests in secluded locations, often in the fork of a tree or on a ledge near a stream. Nests are made from twigs, grass, and moss, providing insulation and protection for the eggs.

• Clutch Size: 2–3 eggs
• Incubation Period: 14–16 days
• Fledging Period: 18–22 days

Both parents participate in feeding the young, though the female is primarily responsible for incubation. Once hatched, the chicks are cared for in the nest for several weeks before fledging.

Threats

Habitat Loss

The primary threat to the brown-backed solitaire is habitat loss, particularly due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture and urban development. As their montane forest habitat is increasingly fragmented, the availability of suitable nesting and foraging areas decreases, which can have long-term impacts on population stability.

Climate Change

Climate change poses a potential threat to this species by altering the availability of food resources and the structure of its montane forest habitat. As temperatures rise, the suitable elevation range for this species may shrink, pushing populations higher into the mountains and reducing available habitat.

Major Threats Overview

Migration

The brown-backed solitaire is generally non-migratory, residing year-round in its montane forest habitat. However, it may exhibit local movements, shifting to slightly lower elevations during colder months when food resources become scarcer at higher altitudes.

Conservation Status

The brown-backed solitaire is currently not listed as a threatened species and is considered Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is stable throughout most of its range, though localized declines may occur in areas where habitat loss is significant. Continued efforts to conserve montane forests in Mexico and Central America will be crucial for the long-term survival of this species.

Conclusion

The brown-backed solitaire (Myadestes occidentalis) is a unique and beautiful thrush that inhabits the montane forests of Mexico and northern Central America. With its melodious song and elusive nature, it is a prized sighting for birders. While its population remains stable, conservation efforts focused on protecting its montane forest habitat are essential to ensuring its continued success.