Bell's vireo is a songbird that migrates between a breeding range in Western North America and a winter range in Central America. It is dull olive-gray above and whitish below. It has a faint white eye ring and faint wing bars.
Region
Western and Central North America, wintering in Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Breeds from the Great Plains and Midwest west to California and Baja California, favoring willow-cottonwood, mesquite, and other dense low shrubs along streams and wetlands. It also occupies second-growth scrub and edges of riparian corridors. In winter it occurs from western Mexico south into Central America in thorn-scrub, second growth, and hedgerows. Use of invasive tamarisk occurs locally where native cover is scarce, but native thickets are preferred. It keeps close to low, dense cover and rarely ventures into open canopy.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bell's vireo breeds in dense shrublands, especially riparian thickets, and winters in western Mexico and Central America. It has suffered from habitat loss and brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds. The coastal subspecies known as Least Bell's Vireo is federally endangered in the United States. Nests are deep cup-shaped structures suspended in low shrub forks.
Least Bell's vireo with leg band, grasped in human hand.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low darting flights through shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs on breeding territories in dense low shrubs. Builds a deep, hanging cup nest in a fork 0.5–2 m above ground. Highly susceptible to brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds, which can reduce nesting success. Outside breeding, it forages singly or in small loose groups.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A rapid, buzzy, and scolding series of two-part phrases, often given in alternating patterns with brief pauses. Calls include sharp scolds and chips delivered from concealed perches within dense shrubs.
