The green shrike-vireo is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Mesoamerica (southern Mexico to Panama)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, primarily in mature and well-developed secondary growth. It keeps to the mid- to upper canopy, where it forages quietly among dense foliage. Most common in intact forest but can persist along tall-forest edges and riparian corridors. It is generally scarce in heavily fragmented or disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy specialist, the green shrike-vireo is far more often heard than seen, with a loud, ventriloquial song that seems to come from everywhere at once. Its heavy, slightly hooked bill gives it the 'shrike' part of its name, though it behaves like a vireo, gleaning prey from foliage. It often sits motionless among leaves, where its bright green plumage provides superb camouflage.
in Panama
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs high in the canopy; occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are placed well above ground, likely a small cup secured to a forked twig. Both sexes are thought to participate in nesting duties. Clutch size is small, typically two to three eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, clear, whistled series that often descends in pitch and carries far through the forest. The song is famously ventriloquial, making the singer difficult to locate even at close range.
Plumage
Bright leaf-green upperparts with yellow to yellow-green underparts; contrasting pale gray crown and nape; clean whitish throat. Overall smooth, unspotted appearance, blending seamlessly with canopy foliage.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and small branches. It uses its stout bill to pick prey methodically from the canopy. Small fruits and berries are also consumed, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the mid- and upper canopy of humid forest and tall secondary growth. Often works along outer foliage layers, sometimes sallying short distances to snatch prey.
