The Yucatan vireo is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae.
Region
Yucatán Peninsula and northern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in southeastern Mexico (Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo) and extends into Belize and northern Guatemala. It inhabits coastal scrub, dry forest edges, second growth, and mangrove margins. The species favors lowland habitats and is often found in thickets, hedgerows, and semi-open woodland. It may also use gardens and disturbed vegetation near settlements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Yucatan vireo is a small passerine of the family Vireonidae, native to the Yucatán Peninsula and nearby lowlands. It forages methodically through foliage, helping control insect populations, and will also take small berries seasonally. Pairs build a neat, hanging cup nest suspended from a forked twig. Its steady, scolding song carries well through coastal scrub and thickets.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct hops between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, methodically gleaning foliage. Monogamous pairs build a suspended cup nest in a shrub or small tree and share incubation and feeding of young. Territorial during breeding but may join loose mixed flocks outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of short, nasal, scolding phrases delivered at a steady pace. Calls include harsh churrs and chek notes that carry through scrub and mangroves.
Plumage
Olive-gray upperparts with whitish underparts and a buff wash on the flanks; two pale wingbars and a faint pale supercilium. The bill is short, stout, and slightly hooked, typical of vireos.
Diet
Primarily gleans insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders from leaves and twigs. It supplements its diet with small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insects are less abundant. Foraging is deliberate, often involving short pauses and careful inspection of foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid-story of shrubs and low trees in coastal scrub, thickets, and mangrove edges. Also forages along woodland margins and in second-growth and gardens.
