photo by Phil Swanson

Dendroica virens
L 5″ (13 cm).

Song or calls:
Song is slightly hoarse “zeee zeee zee-zo-zee.”

Description: Bright olive green upperparts; yellow face; and greenish ear patch; white below with black streaking on flanks; yellow tinge on lower belly; and two white wing bars. Male has black throat and upper breast. Female has yellow throat; black upper breast; shows much less black below; and has thinner wing bars.

Behavior: Often remains hidden in trees while singing and is difficult to see.

Habitat: Most often seen in deciduous or coniferous second growth forest, especially in willows and elms.

Where in Nebraska: Uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly.

(click image for larger view)