From Opus

Vireo gilvus

Photo by nomdeploom
Location: Lamoille Canyon, Nevada, USA
Click on photo for larger version.

Description

This songster has the widest range of any vireo in North America, and is more often heard than seen.

Identification

A drab vireo with few distinguishing marks; warbling song is the best clue. There is an indistinct stripe over the (black) eye. Upper parts are gray or olive-gray, whitish breast with light yellow wash on flanks. Blue-gray legs and feet. Length 13cm, wingspan 22cm.

Distribution

Throughout the U.S. except the deep south. Western provinces of Canada. Extreme western mainland of Mexico. Has declined in the eastern U.S. where shade trees have been sprayed with insecticides.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia-> Phylum: Chordata-> Class: Aves -> Order: Passeriformes -> Family: Vireonidae-> Genus: Vireo -> Species: V. gilvus

Habitat

Treetops, especially large trees and along rivers and creeks

Behaviour

Individuals or pairs flit about in the treetops in wooded country, especially in riparian zones. Eats insects, caterpillars, insect eggs, and some fruits. Song is a warble, repeatedly frequently; 12-20 syllables for eastern birds, shorter for western birds. Moves rapidly when foraging, but may perch in the same spot to sing for a several minutes. Often in the densest foliage, so hard to spot even when close.

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