The brown-capped vireo is a small passerine bird. It breeds in highlands from southern Mexico south to northwestern Bolivia. It is sometimes considered to be conspecific with the similar warbling vireo.
Region
Mesoamerica and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Found from southern Mexico through Central America into the Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northwestern Bolivia. It favors montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and tall second growth. Birds often forage from mid-canopy to the lower crowns, especially along gaps and edges. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats provided tall trees and a layered canopy are present.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The brown-capped vireo is a highland vireo that often joins mixed-species flocks while quietly gleaning insects from foliage. Its warm brown crown and clear whitish underparts make it stand out from the similar warbling vireo. It builds a neat pendant cup nest suspended from a forked twig, with both adults sharing incubation and feeding duties.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season, defending small territories. Away from breeding, it frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. The nest is a suspended cup attached to a forked twig; both sexes help build, incubate, and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, musical warbling phrases reminiscent of the warbling vireo, delivered at a steady pace. Calls include short scolding notes and thin chips given while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a distinct warm brown cap; underparts mostly whitish with a faint yellow wash on the flanks. A pale whitish supercilium contrasts with a dusky eye-line; wings typically lack bold wingbars. Plumage is clean and smooth, with subtle contrast between crown, back, and face.
Diet
Primarily gleaning caterpillars, beetles, and other small arthropods from leaves and twigs. It occasionally sallies short distances to catch flying insects. Small berries and other soft fruits may be taken opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of montane and cloud forests, often along edges, gaps, and light-dappled clearings. It also uses tall second growth and semi-open woodland with scattered mature trees.
