Red-eyed VireoVireo olivaceus L 6" (15 cm) One of the most abundant woodland birds in North America, red-eyed vireos can be found almost anywhere there are deciduous trees, including many woodlots and mixed forests. The gray cap, white supercilium, dark line through the eye, greenish upperparts, whitish underparts, and large bill are distinctive. The contrasting cap separates it from the warbling vireo and the whitish throat from the Philadelphia vireo. Red-eyeds spend most of their time in the mid and upper canopy of forested areas, moving slowly and deliberately as they feed. The males are among the most persistent singers of all birds and have been recorded singing more than 10,000 songs a day in spring. The song of the red-eyed vireo is one of the few woodland voices that is often heard in the middle of hot summer days. The song consists of quick two and three note whistled phrases delivered with measured breaks, so that each phrase seems to stand alone. The birds also have a soft catbird-like mew note that they give when they are agitated. |
|
Sharpen your bird ID skills with
Bird Watcher's Digest! Each issue of Bird Watcher's Digest contains an in-depth profile of a commonly encountered bird species. Just $19.99 for six issues! |
ID More Birds, Have More Fun
with help from the experts at Bird Watcher's Digest! Enhance your birding enjoyment with this great new book – a perfect companion for your favorite field guide. Inside you'll find 50 ID problems solved in more than 390 pages. Just $19.95 plus s/h. |
|
|
