Black-faced Solitaire

The Black-faced Solitaire, Myadestes melanops, is a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, notable for its slate gray plumage and distinctive facial markings. The adult bird's visage is adorned with a black mask that extends over its face and chin, providing a stark contrast to its broad orange bill. The wings and tail are edged with slate-black, and when in flight, the silvery-white underwing coverts are conspicuously displayed. The legs of this bird are a striking orange, and the average weight is a mere 33 grams.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Black-faced Solitaire, look for its slim build, measuring between 16 and 18.5 centimeters in length. The juvenile can be recognized by buff streaks on the head and upper parts, and a mottling of buff and brown on the underparts. Observers should also note the bird's unique flight pattern, where the silvery-white underwing coverts are particularly visible.

Habitat

This species thrives in the dense undergrowth and bamboo clumps of wet mountain forests, typically found at altitudes ranging from 750 to 3,000 meters.

Distribution

Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, the Black-faced Solitaire may disperse to lower altitudes of around 400 meters during the wet season.

Behaviour

The Black-faced Solitaire is known to form loose flocks in the wet season. It is a bird that usually forages low in the vegetation, but it is not uncommon for it to ascend into the canopy or venture into trees within pastures in pursuit of sustenance.

Song & Calls

The call of the Black-faced Solitaire is a nasal "ghank" or a liquid "quirt." Its song is a captivating series of fluty whistles, often described as "teedleedlee…tleedleeee…lee-dah…lee-dah," which is most frequently heard in the evening from a secluded canopy perch. The song's ethereal quality is a marvel of nature, though in captivity, the bird's vocalizations have earned it the nickname "squeaky hinge bird."

Breeding

Breeding occurs between April and June, with the female laying two or three rufous-brown marked white or pinkish eggs. The nest is a cup of mosses and liverworts, situated in a tree crevice, a hole in a mossy bank, or concealed amongst mosses and epiphytes in a tree fork, up to 3.5 meters above the ground. The fledging period lasts approximately 15–16 days.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Black-faced Solitaire consists mainly of berries and insects. Its foraging habits are adaptable, ranging from the lower vegetation to the upper canopy.

Conservation status

The Black-faced Solitaire is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it is important to note that while it remains common in protected and inaccessible areas, trapping for the cage-bird trade has significantly impacted its numbers in other regions.