Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

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adult

Although the sexes of Blue-headed Vireo are broadly similar, some males are noticeably more brightly marked than most females. All adults have a blue-gray hood, grading to olive-green on the nape and back. The throat is white and the underparts are otherwise pale with a buffish-yellow suffusion to the flanks. Note the striking white “spectacles” around the eyes. The dark wings have two very pale yellowish wingbars and margins to the inner flight feathers. The tail has white outer feathers. Juveniles are similar to adults but duller overall than a typical adult female.

The Blue-headed Vireo is present as a breeding species mainly from April to September, its range extending across much of northern temperate North America. At other times of the year its non-breeding range extends from southeast U.S.A. to Central America. Like many vireos, this species is unobtrusive, and silent birds are easily overlooked as they forage for insects in dappled foliage.

FACT FILE

LENGTH 5 in (12.5 cm)

FOOD Insects and other invertebrates

HABITAT Wide range of woodland habitats

STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor

VOICE Song comprises a series of well-spaced whistles. Call is a rasping tche. The species is a competent mimic of other vireo species

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