Vireos are a New World family of birds that are characterized by their deliberate feeding methods and hooked bills. Two of the most likely vireo species to be encountered on St. George Island are the White-eyed Vireo (
Vireo griseus) and Red-eyed Vireo (
Vireo olivaceus).
As you might expect, the eye color is a good clue for identifying these birds. The eye is also a clue for the bird's age, as neither species gains their namesake color until they are nearly a year old.
The Red-eyed Vireo, seen below, is found in almost any sizable patch of broadleaf forest in eastern North America. It's sweet, monotonous "here i am, where are you" song is given throughout the day from high in the canopy, even on the hottest summer afternoons. They winter predominately in South America. Over the past few days we have begun to catch migrating Red-eyes on St. George Island, as well as pick them up on our transects.
The White-eyed Vireo, seen below, breeds at our study site on St. George Island. Throughout their breeding range in the Southeast, they prefer dense, impenetrable
thickets. Often the only clue to their presence is their explosive, unmistakable song, "chick, poweeo, chick." We have banded several of the locals, as well as possibly a few
migrants returning from Central America.
I suppose not so, but do you think there's a chance you might pick up a black-whiskered vireo at your location? I know they frequent coastal areas around peninsular Florida. And a related question, are there any coastal mangroves where you are?
ReplyDeleteWe haven't encountered any Black-whiskered Vireos yet, but they do occasionally show up along this coast.
ReplyDeleteMangroves are typically found in southern Florida, though they have slowly been migrating northward. Just recently, a few pioneer mangroves have been found growing on St. George Island.
Pretty birds, underrated. Do you know why the eye looks red in one picture, and pale in the other one? Just a peculiarity of the lighting?
ReplyDelete