Bell's Vireo
NameBell's Vireo
Common NameBell's Vireo
Scientific NameVireo bellii
FamilyVireonidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)8.5
Plumage DetailsDull olive-gray on the crown and back, with whitish underparts often showing a faint yellowish wash, particularly on the flanks and undertail coverts. It has faint whitish spectacles and two indistinct wing bars.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, scratchy, and often jerky song, typically described as a series of phrases like "cheedle-cheedle-cheedle-chew" followed by "chew-chew-chew-cheedle", with varying emphasis.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across the central and western United States and northern Mexico, primarily in riparian woodlands and dense shrublands. Winters in Mexico and Central America.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dull olive-gray plumage, faint whitish spectacles, two indistinct wing bars, skulking behavior in dense vegetation, distinctive scratchy song
Description
The Bell's Vireo is a small, active songbird known for its drab plumage and distinctive, scratchy song. It typically forages low in dense shrubbery, often remaining hidden from view.
