Puerto Rican Vireo

Overview

The Puerto Rican vireo (Vireo latimeri) is a small bird endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico and a member of the family Vireonidae. Its local name, bien-te-veo, translates to 'see-you-well' and is derived from its call, though it should not be confused with the unrelated great kiskadee, which shares the same local name.

Identification

• Grey head, white breast, and yellowish belly.
• Measures approximately 12 cm (4.72 in) in length and weighs between 11 and 12 grams (0.388–0.423 oz).
• Known locally as bien-te-veo ('see-you-well') owing to its call.

Habitat

This species inhabits forested areas across all elevations in Puerto Rico, including wet and dry forests and mangroves. It is also frequently found in shade coffee plantations.

Diet

As an insectivore, its diet comprises grasshoppers, caterpillars, cicadas, beetles, and aphids, supplemented by spiders, anoles, and berries.

Did you know?

Shiny cowbirds are known to parasitise the nests of the Puerto Rican vireo, with studies indicating that up to 83% of nests are affected, leading to an 82% reduction in fledglings. This brood parasitism was identified as a primary cause for the population decline observed in Guánica State Forest between 1973 and 1996.