Bell's Vireo

Overview

Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii) is a small migratory songbird that breeds in Western North America and winters in Central America. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its southern California subspecies, the least Bell's vireo, is endangered.

Identification

• Dull olive-gray plumage above and whitish below.
• Faint white eye ring and faint wing bars.
• Length of 4.5–4.9 in (11.5–12.5 cm) and weight of 7.4–9.8 g.

Habitat

In breeding grounds, the species favours dense shrubbery in riparian areas or near water, with willows being a preferred nesting tree across all subspecies. Its range extends from the central and midwestern United States to central Mexico, with distinct subspecies found in southwestern US, northern Mexico, and southern California.

Did you know?

The bird was named by Audubon in honour of John Graham Bell, who accompanied him on a trip up the Missouri River in the 1840s. Although nests are often parasitised by brown-headed cowbirds, those located in upland habitats face less parasitism than those in river-adjacent riparian areas.