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Red-eyed vireo, 2010. William Mojoros. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Red-Eyed vireo and nest, Cook Forest, PA, July 2006. Photo by Vernon R. Martin. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

red-eyed vireo

Vireo olivaceus

Identification: 
This sparrow sized bird has a head with a gray cap; there is a prominent white eyebrow lined with black above.  The bird has a stubby, compact beak.  It is olive-yellow colored on the back with a mostly white on the upper breast and belly.  It has yellow under the tail.

Behavior:
The male sings a lot, a series of high chirpy notes.   This species nests in forest interiors.  A “foliage gleaner,” it eats both insects and fruits, and caterpillars form an important part of its summer diet. 

What brings it to the SBG?
Food, cover, nesting sites.  During migration the red-eyed vireo frequents stands of trees in many habitats. 

When can I see it?
Spring, summer, or fall, but probably most evident when it is on the move in spring and fall.  In winter it travels all the way to South America.