How to Identify aYellow-throated Vireo
Vireo flavifrons · 5.1–5.9 in (13–15 cm)
Male vs. female
Male
Bright yellow throat, chest and spectacles, olive-green head and back, gray rump and two bold white wingbars. Sexes look alike.
Female
Identical to the male in the field.
Male photo: TonyCastro / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Second photo: Dan Pancamo / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Field marks
- Vivid yellow throat and chest cut sharply from a white belly
- Bold yellow spectacles
- Two clean white wingbars
- Thick, slightly hooked vireo bill
Similar species
What it sounds like
A burry, husky, slow series of two- and three-note phrases, hoarser than other vireos.
Behaviour that gives it away
Moves slowly and heavily through the canopy, hanging upright and peering around before each deliberate hop.
Habitat & range
Mature deciduous forest and shade trees, often near water.
When you'll see it
A summer visitor that arrives to breed in eastern, central and southeastern North America.
What it eats
Caterpillars and other insects taken from the canopy, plus fruit.
Did you know?
It decorates the outside of its hanging nest with lichen, which makes the cup nearly invisible against a lichen-covered branch.
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