The Brown-backed Solitaire (Myadestes occidentalis or "Western Fly-eater") is considered a thrush and is placed in the family Turdidae. It is a medium-sized bird about 21 centimeters (8 inches) long. It is a mostly grayish bird with brown flight feathers (hence the "Brown back" when it is perched), a white eye ring and white retrice (tail) feathers.