Vireos in Missouri
Mosoaringwings Photography
Vireos are small to medium songbirds that belong to the family of Vireonidae. “Vireo” is a Latin word referring to a green migratory bird. They are typically dull-plumaged and olive/greenish in color. They are known for their melodious songs and are typically found in woodlands and forested areas across North America. There are a total of 25 vireo species that have been recorded in the United States, which is less compared to ~50 total warbler species in US. There are a total of 8 vireo species that have been recorded in the state of Missouri. So far, I have seen and photographed 7 of them.
№.1 White eyed vireo The White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) is known for its striking appearance and distinct vocalizations. The most distinct appearance is the white eye ring that gives it its name. It has a compact body with an olive-green back and yellowish underparts. It has a gray crown, olive-green wings, and a white eye ring that gives it its name. Additionally, adult birds have bright yellow spectacles around the eyes, adding to their distinctive appearance.
White-eyed Vireos are typically found in dense, shrubby habitats such as thickets, brushy areas, and forest edges. They prefer habitats with a mixture of shrubs, vines, and small trees, as these provide suitable nesting sites and ample food sources which usually are insects. During Spring and Fall migration, they are common but it is easy to hear them than find them since they like to hide in the greens.
№.2 Red eyed vireo The Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) is a common and widespread songbird known for its persistent and melodious song. It is a small bird with a compact body. It has an olive-green upper body, whitish underparts, and a gray crown. As the name suggests, it has a distinctive red eye, which contrasts with the surrounding facial features. It has a dark line across its eye.
Red-eyed Vireos inhabit a variety of wooded habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, as well as forest edges and second-growth woodlands. They are also found in parks and gardens with mature trees. Red-eyed Vireos breed across much of the eastern United States and into southern Canada. During the winter, they migrate to Central and South America, including regions such as the Amazon rainforest.
№.3 Warbling vireo The Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) is a small songbird known for its musical and warbling song. It has a relatively plain appearance. It has an overall grayish-olive color with a slightly lighter underbelly. It has a thin, hooked bill and a faint white eye-ring. Compared to other vireos, the Warbling Vireo lacks strong facial markings.
Warbling Vireos can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, riparian areas, and parks. They prefer habitats with tall trees and dense foliage, particularly along streams or rivers. Warbling Vireos breed across North America. They also breed in Missouri. During summer, if you are on a hike, you can often hear its song and this proves that they are breeding here. But they usually stay high and hide in tree canopy which are very difficult to find. During the winter, they migrate to Central America and northern South America.
№.4 Yellow-throated vireo The Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) is a medium-sized songbird known for its vibrant yellow throat and distinctive song. It has a striking appearance with a grayish-olive back, white underparts, and a bright yellow throat and breast. It also has a white eye-ring and bold white spectacles around the eyes. The wings and tail are dark with two white wing bars.
Yellow-throated Vireos are typically found in deciduous and mixed forests, especially in areas with tall trees. They prefer mature forests, wooded swamps, and river bottoms. They are generally more common in areas with a rich tree canopy. Yellow-throated Vireos breed across the eastern United States and parts of Canada. During the summer months, they can be found in Missouri but not very often. In winter, they migrate to Central America and northern South America.
№.5 Blue-headed vireo The Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) is a small songbird known for its distinct blue-gray head and melodious song. It has a distinctive blue-gray head and upperparts, which contrasts with its white underparts. It has a white eye-ring and two white wing bars. The wings and tail are darker with hints of green. I was lucky to take the picture of this beautiful bird in my backyard in Spring 2022 during its migration time.
Blue-headed Vireos are typically found in coniferous and mixed forests. They prefer habitats with a mixture of conifers, deciduous trees, and shrubs. They breed across parts of the eastern United States and southern Canada. In winter, they migrate to southern parts of the United States and into Mexico and Central America.
№.6 Philadelphia vireo The Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) has a similar appearance to other vireo species. It has a compact body with olive-green upperparts and whitish underparts. It has a gray crown, dark eyeline, and yellowish spectacles around the eyes. The wings and tail may have a slight yellowish tinge.
Philadelphia Vireos can be found in a variety of wooded habitats. They tend to prefer habitats with a mixture of trees and shrubs. They breed in the northern parts of the United States and into southern Canada. In winter, it migrates to Central America and northern South America.
Compared to other vireos, the Philadelphia Vireo is a relatively less common. I have only seen three times during my 3 yrs of birding in Missouri.
№.7 Bell’s vireo My last but the least is the Bell’s Vireo. This vireo has a compact and plump body with a grayish-olive back and whitish underparts. It has a pale eye-ring and a pale, sometimes yellowish, spectacles around the eyes. The wings and tail are darker with hints of brown. The overall plumage is relatively plain compared to some other vireo species.
Bell’s Vireos are typically found in shrubby and brushy habitats. They breed in parts of the southwestern United States and into northern Mexico. They can be found in states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California, and parts of the Midwest region. The song of the Bell’s Vireo is a repetitive and persistent series of short, slurred phrases. The song is often described as a “pit-a-fee, pit-a-fee, pit-a-fee” or “see-me, see-me, see-me” pattern.
About the author: I am a chemical engineer living in St. Louis area. I picked up photography during Covid-19 pandemic and was instantly hooked. I use Nikon D500 with Sigma 150–600mm lens. I enjoy bird and wildlife photography. Photographing bird is a life-long hobby for me and I can only wish I started this 20 years ago. It is the best way to enjoy and capture GOD’s great creations!
