The chestnut-sided shrike-vireo, sometimes called the honey-browed shrike-vireo, is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae, and probably the largest member of the entire family. A widespread species of subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, this species is found from Jalisco and San Luis Potosí, Mexico in the north to southern Guatemala.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from western and northeastern Mexico (Jalisco and San Luis Potosí) south through the highlands to southern Guatemala. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, mature pine-oak with heavy epiphytes, and tall forest edges. The species forages mostly in the mid to upper canopy and along mossy branches and vine tangles. It is generally resident throughout its range, with only local movements in response to food availability.
Altitude Range
1000–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often heard long before it is seen, this canopy-dwelling vireo gives ringing, far-carrying whistles that can seem ventriloquial. It is one of the largest members of the vireo family, with a stout, shrike-like bill used to take sizable insects. The species favors humid montane and cloud forests rich in epiphytes and moss. Despite its bright eyebrow and chestnut flanks, it can be surprisingly hard to spot among sun-dappled foliage.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats within canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, working methodically through the canopy. It defends territories during the breeding season and may join mixed-species flocks outside of it. Nests are cup-shaped and placed high in trees, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing whistles and sweet, repeated phrases that carry far through montane forests. The song often seems to come from different directions, making the bird difficult to locate.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a gray head and nape, crisp yellow eyebrow, and blackish lateral crown stripe. Underparts are whitish to pale gray with rich chestnut patches along the sides and flanks. Throat is clean white; wings and tail are darker olive with subtle edging. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a sleek canopy-bird appearance.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans. It uses its stout bill to glean prey from leaves, twigs, and epiphyte-laden branches. Occasionally snaps up prey by short sallying flights and may take small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the mid to upper canopy of humid montane and cloud forests, especially where mosses and bromeliads are abundant. Also forages along forest edges and tall second-growth with mature trees.
