Vireo flavoviridis
The Yellow-green Vireo, Vireo flavoviridis, is a medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length with a wingspan of 23-25 cm (9-10 inches) and weighing 14-19 grams. Its plumage is characterized by an olive-green back and crown, often appearing grayer on the head, with bright yellow-green flanks and a whitish belly. Key identification marks include a distinct dark eye-stripe contrasting with a prominent pale yellowish supercilium, creating a 'spectacled' appea...
This species primarily inhabits open deciduous or mixed forests, forest edges, riparian woodlands, and shade coffee plantations, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Their diet consists mainly of insects and their larvae, particularly caterpillars, beetles, and flies, which they glean from leaves and branches. During late summer and migration, they supplement their insectivorous diet with small fruits and berries.
Yellow-green Vireos are diurnal, highly active canopy foragers, spending most of their time gleaning insects from foliage or making short sallying flights to catch prey. Males are fiercely territorial during the breeding season, defending their space with persistent, rhythmic singing, which serve...
The Yellow-green Vireo breeds primarily from southern Texas (lower Rio Grande Valley), southern Arizona, and parts of Sonora, Mexico, south through Central America to western Panama. Its breeding stronghold extends across much of Mexico and Central America. After breeding, it undertakes a signifi...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-green Vireo holds the record for one of the longest migratory journeys among North American vireos, traveling from southern North America to deep into South America annually. - Its scientific name, 'flavoviridis,' literally means 'yellow-green,' accurately describing its primary plum...