The grey-eyed greenlet is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is found in Bolivia and Brazil. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in eastern Bolivia and central to western Brazil, where it inhabits a mosaic of dry and semi-humid woodlands. It occupies subtropical and tropical dry forests, moist lowland forest edges, and dry shrublands. The species tolerates disturbance and is regularly found in second-growth and heavily degraded former forest. It often uses gallery forests within savanna and Cerrado landscapes.
Altitude Range
100–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-eyed greenlet is a small canopy-dwelling vireo that forages methodically among leaves, often joining mixed-species flocks. Its pale gray iris is a distinctive field mark against its olive-green plumage. It builds a neat, hanging cup nest suspended from a forked twig, a typical trait of vireos and greenlets.
Temperament
secretive but active in foliage
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory and canopy. Pairs are presumed monogamous and maintain small territories during breeding. The nest is a delicate hanging cup placed in a fork, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, thin whistles delivered at a measured pace, often repeated in short phrases. Calls include soft chips and scolds while foraging, becoming more persistent near the nest.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler yellow-olive underparts; subtle grayish wash to the head and throat. Feathers are smooth and plain, with minimal wing patterning.
Diet
Primarily gleans small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders from leaves and twigs. It inspects leaf undersides and tips, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey. Small berries may be taken opportunistically, especially in the dry season when insect prey is scarcer.
Preferred Environment
Forages in midstory to canopy of dry forest, woodland edges, and secondary growth. Often follows mixed flocks along forest borders and gallery forests within savanna mosaics.
