Cassin's Vireo
NameCassin's Vireo
Common NameCassin's Vireo
Scientific NameVireo cassinii
FamilyVireonidae
Wingspan (cm)21.5
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)13.5
Plumage DetailsThis vireo has a gray head with a prominent white 'spectacle' (white eye-ring and lore) that contrasts with its olive-green back and wings. It features two distinct white wing bars and whitish underparts, often with a subtle yellowish wash on the flanks and undertail coverts.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of deliberate, slurred phrases, often described as 'chew-wee, chew-wee, che-we-wit,' similar to other Solitary Vireo complex songs but with a slightly more deliberate quality.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in western North America, from British Columbia south through the Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada to southern California. It migrates south to winter in Mexico and Central America.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white spectacles (eye-ring and lore), Gray head contrasting with olive-green back, Two distinct white wing bars, Deliberate, slurred song, Yellowish wash on flanks and undertail coverts
Description
The Cassin's Vireo is a small, active songbird found in coniferous and mixed forests of western North America. It forages deliberately among foliage, often high in trees, searching for insects. This species is known for its distinctive head pattern and deliberate, slurred song.
