ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Blue-headed Vireo

Blue-headed Vireo

blue-headed vireo
Photo by Terry Lutz

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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Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 14 days

• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs

• Typical Foods: insects and fruit

Description
This vireo can be identified by its white "spectacles," blue-gray head, olive colored back, and snow-white throat. It also has two white wing bars.

Habitat and Habits
The blue-headed vireo occurs in a wide variety of woodlands as a migrant. Breeders are intimately linked to hemlock trees. Their song is similar to the red-eyed vireo, but has a slower tempo and shorter phrases, with a sweeter quality.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest is a pendant cup of bark strips and down, usually placed in a forked twig of a small tree.