The Cozumel vireo is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is endemic to the Mexican island of Cozumel off the Yucatán Peninsula. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Caribbean Mexico
Typical Environment
Restricted to Cozumel Island off the Yucatán Peninsula, where it occupies subtropical dry forest, thorny scrub, mangroves edges, and second-growth thickets. It readily uses degraded and regenerating habitats, including hedgerows and gardens near settlements. Foraging is mostly in the mid-story, where it gleans insects and small arthropods from leaves and twigs. The species benefits from the island’s mosaic of scrub and secondary woodland created by natural disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 30 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the island of Cozumel, this vireo is a foliage-gleaning insect hunter that thrives in scrub, second growth, and dry forest. It tolerates disturbed habitats and can be found in gardens and edges, which has helped it persist despite storms and habitat changes. Its song is a steady series of short, repeated phrases typical of vireos, often delivered from mid-level perches.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories during the breeding season. Builds a neat cup nest suspended in a forked twig; both sexes typically participate in nesting duties. Outside breeding, may join loose mixed-species foraging groups in scrub and edge habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A steady series of short, repeated phrases delivered in measured rhythm, reminiscent of other vireos but softer and less varied than mainland relatives. Calls include sharp scolds and soft chup notes when foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grayish cast on the head and nape; clean whitish underparts with a light buff wash on the flanks. Shows two pale wingbars and fairly plain face with a faint supercilium. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, typical of small vireos.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It occasionally takes small berries, especially in the dry season when insects are less abundant. Prey is typically picked methodically from leaves and twigs rather than pursued in flight.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid-level to upper shrubs and trees within dry forest, scrub, and second growth. Often uses forest edges, thickets, and gardens where foliage is dense and accessible.
