11:05 AM
A very uncommon visitor east of the Mississippi River, the Bell's Vireo is a small vireo that forages and nests along riparian habitat. They are usually found in the Great Plains in the summer and winter in Mexico. The Least Bell's Vireo is an endangered subspecies in southern California. The encroachment of grassland and parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds are the main reasons for its endangerment. The song of the Bell's Vireo is a distinct loud, jerky, unmusical set of phrases and notes. I was able to get a recording of his song you can hear at the bottom of this post.
The Bell's Vireo has a gray head with faint white spectacles, yellow-green on the back, and a yellow wash to the belly. They also have one prominent wing bar and a slightly fainter one above it. This bird was found at the landfill and this is the third year in a row that one has been seen out there. I'm not sure why they keep showing up out there but I'm glad they do. :)
***UPDATE*** - He was back again today and I was able to get some audio of him singing. Try to tune out the Song Sparrow and trucks in the background.
Posted in: Bell's Vireo
13 comments:
Cute bird!
Great sighting and photos. This bird would be a newbie for me. Thanks for sharing!
Very nice captures of the Bell's Vireo! Would be a life bird for me.
What a cute little bird! Great photos :)
That one looks like a hard to identify bird. Nice captures!
Great shots!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Do you think the recent Tornadoes blew this bird into your area?
Super images and recording of a bird I would love to see!
Great post and very beautiful images.
Well done!
Amazing that you caught this little bird. Even better you recorded its song. Thanks for sharing!
@Jean - He has been here the same time the last three years so I doubt it is due to weather. Not sure why he shows up for a couple days and then disappears.
A lovely little bird to see.
Many thanks for sharing.
Great pictures. They can hide so well.
Nice shots - must have been hard to spot!
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