The yellow-green vireo is a small American passerine bird. It is migratory breeding from Mexico to Panama and wintering in the northern and eastern Andes and the western Amazon Basin.
Region
Mesoamerica and northern South America
Typical Environment
Breeds from eastern and western Mexico south through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In the nonbreeding season it occurs from Colombia and Venezuela south along the Andes into Ecuador and Peru and across parts of the western Amazon Basin. Typical habitats include lowland and foothill forest edges, second growth, riparian woodland, plantations, and semi-open woodlands. It favors mid- to upper-level foliage but also forages in the canopy and along forest margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-green vireo is closely related to the red-eyed vireo but shows a brighter yellow wash below and a greener back. It breeds from Mexico through Central America to Panama and migrates to winter in the northern and eastern Andes and the western Amazon Basin. Its steady, repetitive song carries through forest edges and second growth, and it helps control leaf-chewing caterpillars.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low to mid-level flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually forages alone or in pairs in the breeding season; may join mixed-species flocks on the wintering grounds. Builds a neat pendent cup nest slung from a forked branch. Pairs are monogamous within a season, and both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A steady series of short, slurred phrases delivered in sequence, reminiscent of a slower, sweeter red-eyed vireo. Calls include sharp scolds and soft contact notes given while foraging.
