About the Blue-headed Vireo
The blue-headed vireo is a migrating song bird found in North and Central America. There are currently two recognized subspecies 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The blue-headed vireo has similar plumage year round and does not drastically change its appearance during the breeding season. It can be characterized by its olive green upper body, two bold yellow wing bars down the edge of its wing, and a deep blue-grey crown from which it gets its name. The juvenile plumage of immature blue-headed vireos is not distinct but very similar to the adult plumage. Voice: The primary song of the blue-headed vireo is a simple, slow, monotonous tune that is often confused with the faster red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus) song. The primary song is sung only by the males and usually only during the breeding season. The males become quite vocal during the breeding season, with the song frequency reaching its height prior to mating and then decreasing after copulation.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Blue-headed Vireo sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Panama.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Yellow-throated VireoVireo flavifronsAdults are mainly olive on the head and upperparts with a yellow throat and white belly; they have dark eyes with yellow "spectacles".
White-eyed VireoVireo griseusMeasurements:
Length: 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.5 oz (10–14 g)
Wingspan: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Its head and back are a greyish olive, and the underparts are white with yellow flanks.
Hutton's VireoVireo huttoniHutton's vireo is 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in) long and weighs about 9 to 15 g (0.32 to 0.53 oz).
Side by side: Blue-headed Vireo vs Red-eyed Vireo · Blue-headed Vireo vs White-eyed Vireo · Blue-headed Vireo vs Yellow-throated Vireo · Blue-headed Vireo vs Hutton's Vireo
Learn the Blue-headed Vireo for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.