photo by Phil Swanson

Vireo solitarius
L 5 3/4″ (15 cm).

Song or calls:
Song is series of short phrases, richer than Red-eyed Vireo’s; given slower, with longer pauses.

Description: Sexes similar. Blue-gray head contrasts with olive back; bold white spectacles; throat and underparts are white; yellow sides; two bold white or yellowish wing bars.

Habitat: Found in open coniferous or mixed forests, and in shade trees. Feeds from the canopy to shrubby understory.

Where in Nebraska: Uncommon spring and fall migrant across the state, becoming rarer westwardly.

Fun Facts: Blue-headed Vireo’s depend on Hemlock evergreen trees when they arrive on the breeding grounds because the deciduous trees have not leafed out yet.

Additional Information: Once lumped together with Cassin’s and Plumbeous Vireo into one species, the Solitary Vireo.

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