The Chocó vireo is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae that was discovered by Paul Salaman in 1991 and described in 1996. It is found in western Colombia and has recently been found in north-west Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Chocó biogeographic region
Typical Environment
Occurs on the humid western Andean slopes of Colombia extending into north-western Ecuador. It inhabits subtropical to lower montane evergreen forests, often along ridgelines, steep slopes, and well-forested gullies. The species uses mature forest but may also appear in tall secondary growth and forest edges if canopy structure remains intact. It typically forages in the mid-story to upper canopy within dense, mossy, epiphyte-laden habitats.
Altitude Range
600–1400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Discovered in 1991 and described in 1996, the Chocó vireo is a little-known member of the Vireonidae restricted to the humid slopes of the western Andes. It is tied to the Chocó biogeographic region of western Colombia and north-west Ecuador. The species is threatened primarily by deforestation and habitat fragmentation, and it often travels in mixed-species flocks which can aid detection.
Temperament
alert, often secretive in dense foliage
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Breeding pairs are territorial and likely build a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or slender branches. Clutch size is presumed small, typical of vireos.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of short, clear phrases and whistles delivered at measured intervals, reminiscent of other vireos but softer. Calls include sharp chips and scolding notes that carry through the mid-canopy.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with two pale wingbars and yellow-washed underparts grading to a paler throat and belly. Head grayish-olive with a faint pale supercilium and subtle broken eye-ring. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, typical of small canopy gleaners.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and small spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. It occasionally hovers to pick prey from hanging foliage and may sally short distances to catch flushed insects. Small berries may be taken opportunistically, especially outside the peak insect season.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story to canopy of humid montane forest, often along edges, gaps, and vine tangles where prey is abundant. Frequently joins mixed flocks to exploit disturbed foliage and to improve foraging efficiency.
