The red-eyed vireo is a small American songbird. It is somewhat warbler-like but not closely related to the New World warblers (Parulidae). Common across its vast range, this species is not considered threatened by the IUCN.
Region
North and South America
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across eastern and central North America, extending into southern Canada, favoring broadleaf and mixed woodlands. During migration and winter it occupies tropical lowland forests, second growth, and forest edges in northern and western South America, especially the Amazon Basin. It prefers mid to upper canopy strata, using edges, riparian corridors, parks, and large gardens with mature trees. Wintering birds readily use fruiting trees in semi-open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Adults have a distinctive red iris, while juveniles show brownish eyes. Its persistent, short-phrase song earns it the nickname 'preacher bird,' often sung from dawn to dusk. A common host of brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds in North America, it nevertheless remains very abundant.
Bird in nest, Cook Forest State Park (Pennsylvania). Photo by Vernon R. Martin
Vocalizing red-eyed vireo
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms solitary territories during breeding, with pairs building a neat, hanging cup nest in a fork of a small branch. The male sings persistently to defend territory; both sexes may feed the young. Outside the breeding season it may join mixed-species flocks in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A continuous series of short, whistled phrases delivered in a questioning-and-answering pattern, often all day long. Calls include sharp notes and scolding mews, especially when alarmed.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with clean whitish underparts and a gray crown bordered by darker edges. A bold white supercilium contrasts with dark eye lines; wings are plain without wing bars. Feathers are smooth and sleek, aiding in quiet canopy foraging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and wasps, as well as spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. In migration and on wintering grounds it eats substantial amounts of fruit and berries. Occasionally hover-gleans or sallies short distances to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the mid to upper canopy of deciduous and mixed forests, including forest edges and riparian groves. In winter, often visits fruiting trees in secondary growth and semi-open woodland.
