Andean Solitaire (Myadestes ralloides)

Identification & Behavior: ~18 cm (7 in). The Andean Solitaire has rufous-brown upperparts and back of the neck. The head and underparts are gray. It has white webbing on the outer tail feathers. It forages alone at various points along the vertical length of the humid montane forest. It is similar to the very local Rufous-Brown Solitaire but is distinguished by having gray underparts and white webbing on the outer tail feathers. Also, see White-eared Solitaire.

Status: The Andean Solitaire is common in montane forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 500-1400 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Solitario Andino.

Sub-species: Andean Solitaire (Myadestes ralloides venezuelensis), P. L. Sclater, 1856.  N & W Venezuela S in E Andes to N Peru (N of R Marañón).
(Myadestes ralloides ralloides), (d’Orbigny), 1840.  Peru (S of R Marañón) S to W & C Bolivia (S to Chuquisaca).

Meaning of Name: Myadestes: Gr. mua, muia, muias= fly and edestes, edo = eater, to eat.
ralloides: Resembling a member of the genus Rallus, rail Linnaeus, 1758. Perhaps in reference to the plumage pattern or voice.

See more of the Family Turdidae