Yellow-green Vireo

Overview

The Yellow-green Vireo breeds in tropical woodland and forest edge from Mexico through Central America, wintering in the Amazon basin of South America, and is closely related to and often confused with the Red-eyed Vireo. It occurs as a rare visitor north of its regular range, particularly in the southwestern United States.

Its feathers are similar to those of the Red-eyed Vireo but generally show a stronger yellow-green tone on the flanks, undertail, and sometimes the back.

Recognizing the Feathers

• Back feathers: olive, often slightly more yellow-green toned than Red-eyed Vireo
• Flank & undertail feathers: washed with yellow-green, more strongly than in Red-eyed Vireo
• Face feathers: pale eyebrow bordered by a dark eyeline, generally less bold than in Red-eyed Vireo
• Wing feathers: plain, without wing bars

A stronger yellow-green wash on the flanks and undertail, combined with a somewhat less bold facial pattern, helps separate this species from the very similar Red-eyed Vireo, though careful comparison is often needed.

Plumage

Sexes are alike, both showing olive upperparts and whitish underparts with a yellow-green wash on the flanks and undertail. Immatures are similar to adults. There is no strong seasonal plumage change, with a single complete molt after breeding.

Habitat & Range

This vireo breeds in tropical woodland, forest edge, and second growth from Mexico south through Central America. It winters in the Amazon basin of South America and occurs rarely as a vagrant north into the southwestern United States.

Behavior & Field Notes

Yellow-green Vireos forage in canopy and edge foliage, gleaning insects in a manner very similar to the Red-eyed Vireo. Nests are cup-shaped and suspended from a forked branch. Its song closely resembles that of the Red-eyed Vireo, consisting of short, repeated phrases, making plumage differences more useful than voice for identification.