Vireo griseus
adult
The White-eyed Vireo is a well-marked but unobtrusive species. The sexes are similar. Adults have a greenish cap, back, and rump, and gray sides to the face and neck. The eye has a pale iris; it is emphasized by a yellow “spectacle” circling the eye and extending forward as a pale line, with a dark line below it. The underparts are pale, whitest on the throat and with a gray wash to the chest and a yellow wash on the flanks. The dark wings have two white wingbars. The bill is dark and stout, and the legs are blue-gray. Juveniles are similar to adults but paler, and with a dark iris and white “spectacle.” Adult-like plumage and a pale iris are acquired in winter.
The White-eyed Vireo is present as a breeding species in eastern North America, mainly from April to September. The winter range extends from southeast U.S.A. to Mexico. The species is borderline secretive and usually easier to hear than to see. Learn its distinctive song to be certain of its presence in an area, then wait quietly and patiently for it to put in an appearance. Feeding birds forage in a deliberate manner.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5 in (12.5 cm)
FOOD Insects and other invertebrates
HABITAT Dense deciduous woodland
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song is a series of loud phrases such as chic, chip-ee-err-cheeo-chic. Call is a harsh shrrr
