Black-whiskered vireo

The black-whiskered vireo is a small passerine bird, which breeds in southern Florida, USA, and the West Indies as far south as the offshore islands of Venezuela. It is a partial migrant, with northern birds wintering from the Greater Antilles to northern South America. This species has occurred as a rare vagrant to Costa Rica.

Distribution

Region

Caribbean and southeastern United States

Typical Environment

Breeds in southern Florida and widely across the West Indies, extending south to offshore islands of Venezuela. Winters mainly from the Greater Antilles to northern South America, with some individuals remaining resident on larger Caribbean islands. It favors coastal and lowland habitats including mangroves, dry forest, wooded edges, and second-growth thickets. During migration and in winter it also uses gardens, shade plantations, and scrub. It has appeared as a rare vagrant to parts of Central America.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm

Wing Span23–26 cm

Male Weight0.017 kg

Female Weight0.016 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Named for the dark 'whisker' (malar stripe) on its face, the black-whiskered vireo is often heard before it is seen, delivering a persistent series of short phrases from canopy perches. It closely resembles the red-eyed vireo but shows a stronger malar stripe, grayer crown, and buffier flanks. It breeds in southern Florida and across the West Indies, with northern breeders wintering in the Greater Antilles and northern South America. Nests are cup-shaped and suspended in forks, and the species can be parasitized by brood-parasitic cowbirds in parts of its range.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and territorial

Flight Pattern

short direct flights with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males singing persistently to defend territories. Builds a neat hanging cup nest in a forked branch; both sexes may participate in incubation and feeding. Outside the breeding season it may join loose mixed-species flocks while foraging.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A persistent, rhythmic series of short, scolding phrases delivered from mid to upper canopy. Harsher and more nasal than the red-eyed vireo, often repeated for long periods. Calls include sharp chips and scolds when alarmed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

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Total Known Population

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