ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - White-eyed Vireo

 White-eyed Vireo

white-eyed vireo

The Vireo family is a small group of forest dwelling, sparrow-sized birds. They are plainly colored with most having white underparts. The bill is rather stout compared to that of warblers. Vireos feed by gleaning insects from tree leaves. Although rather sluggish birds, they are very persistent singers.

 
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White-eyed Vireo
Vireo griseus

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 12-16 days

• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs

• Typical Foods: insects and fruit
Description
This small bird is olive-green above, a trait of all the vireos, but has a white throat and yellow sides. Important field marks are the white wing bars and yellow spectacles surrounding the white eyes.

Habitat and Habits
The white-eyed vireo is an uncommon summer resident in thickets and brushy areas. Their forceful, rapidly delivered song carries some distance, and typical renditions sound very much like pick-up-the-beer, check!

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest is purse-shaped and hung near the ground from the fork of a bushy shrub. It is made of bark, grass, lichens, and spider webs and will contain three to five brown-spotted white eggs.