blue-headed vireo (Clay Hill Memorial Forest Birds)

blue-headed vireo

Vireo solitarius

Summary ⁶

The Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) is a Neotropical migrating song bird found in North and Central America. There are currently two recognized sub-species that belong to the Blue-headed Vireo. It has a range that extends across Canada and the eastern coast of the United-States, Mexico and some of Central America. It prefers large temperate forests with a mix of evergreen trees and deciduous under growth.

Vireo solitarius ⁷

A large (5-6 inches) vireo, the Blue-headed Vireo is most easily identified by its olive-green back and tail, pale breast, white wing bars, and bluish-gray head with white eye-rings. This species may be separated from the similar Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus) by that species’ smaller size and darker head. Male and female Blue-headed Vireos are similar to one another in all seasons. The Blue-headed Vireo primarily breeds across southern Canada and the northeastern United States. Smaller numbers breed at higher elevations in the Appalachian Mountains as far south as northern Alabama. Blue-headed Vireos spend the winter in the southeastern U.S., eastern Mexico, and northern Central America. Blue-headed Vireos breed in a number of dense woodland habitats with a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees. During the winter, this species may be found in a variety of habitat types, including deciduous and evergreen woodland, bushy fields, and humid tropical forests. Blue-headed Vireos primarily eat small insects during the summer, but also eat small quantities of fruits and berries during the winter. In appropriate habitat, Blue-headed Vireos may be seen foraging for food on leaves and branches at middle heights in the tree canopy. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species’ song, a series of fluty notes similar to but somewhat higher-pitched than that of the Red-eyed Vireo. Blue-headed Vireos are primarily active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.

Threat Status: Least concern