Vireo griseus
The White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) is a small, energetic songbird, measuring approximately 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 17-20 cm (6.7-7.9 inches) and weighing 10-15 grams (0.35-0.53 oz). Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its common name, is a striking white iris contrasted by a bold yellow eye-ring and lore, resembling spectacles. The plumage features an olive-green back and crown, a clean white belly, and vibrant yellow flanks, complemented by two yellowi...
This vireo thrives in dense understory, shrubby thickets, forest edges, and regenerating clearings, particularly favoring riparian zones and successional habitats at low to mid-elevations.
Its diet primarily consists of insects and spiders gleaned from foliage, supplemented significantly by small fruits and berries, especially during late summer and fall.
White-eyed Vireos are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging. They employ a gleaning strategy, methodically searching for insects on the undersides of leaves and twigs in the lower to mid-story vegetation, often incorporating short sallies or hovering. During the breeding season, males ar...
The White-eyed Vireo has an extensive distribution across eastern North America, with its primary breeding range spanning from southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, south through Florida, and west to central Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Disjunct breeding populations also occur in east...
Least Concern
- The White-eyed Vireo's startling white iris, bordered by yellow spectacles, makes it one of the most uniquely marked songbirds in North America. - Its complex, staccato song, often described phonetically as 'Chick-per-weeoo-chick!', is highly variable and can incorporate up to 30 different phra...