Southern California Vireo May 2021 (1 Viewer)

[BAL Land]

Hi all,
I’ve posted this Vireo to multiple sites/people, and the majority said they think it’s a weird Warbling Vireo. I’m still not convinced, though. I believe it might be a Red-eyed Vireo, and understand that from my photos it’s probably better off not calling it one. I thought I might as well post it anyway. May 2021, Orange County, California. My only two photos. Reasons I think it’s a Red-eyed is the seemingly very strong eye-line, but I’m probably wrong. Opinions appreciated.

 

[tom baxter]

Red-eyed should have yellowish under tail coverts. It looks like a fairly typical Warbling Vireo to me although we can’t see the bill.

 

[BAL Land]

Red-eyed should have yellowish under tail coverts. It looks like a fairly typical Warbling Vireo to me although we can’t see the bill.

Thanks, Tom!

 

[THE_FERN]

Minor point, but the eyes aren't red. Should be some indication for red-eyed I think

 

[rkj]

I see nothing to suggest anything other than Warbling Vireo.

 

[BAL Land]

Thanks everyone.

 

[Kratter]

Also, the upper side of the supercilium is borderd by black in a Red-eyed, and here you can see it is definitely brown.

 

[tom baxter]

Another point of note is that this individual shows a long tail which is a subordinating field mark for warbling. Red eyed typically has a shorter tail. I’m not sure that it is reliable as a primary field mark, but it could be depending on the specifics. For example, a tail this long might be diagnostic, whereas a short tail does not necessarily prove an identification of red eyed. I am unsure of the spectrum and at what point reliability of this field mark increases/ decreases.

 

[Butty]

a tail this long might be diagnostic

A new concept in ID logic 🤔

 

[tom baxter]

A new concept in ID logic 🤔

What do you mean? I don’t see any contradiction. I think you may have misunderstood what I said. I stated that it is possible that it is diagnostic at a certain point across a spectrum but I am not sure.

 

[Butty]

So... You don't know if the tail-length of this bird is diagnostic

 

[KenM]

So... You don't know if the tail-length of this bird is diagnostic

Clearly!….by saying he’s not sure? 😮

 

[tom baxter]

So... You don't know if the tail-length of this bird is diagnostic

its all right there to read