Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

Often heard but not seen, the Bell's Vireo is often heard singing its repetitive, jumbled song from low brushy thickets.  They are unfortunately very common victims of Brown-headed Cowbird parasitism, and are in decline in many regions.

Habitat: Prefers low, bushy growth, including forest undergrowth, streamside thickets, woodland edges, and brushy fields.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects.  They have a preference for large insects such as caterpillars, wasps, and certain beetles.  They also will feed on spiders, and occasionally on berries.

Behavior: Climbs and flits through low foliage in search of insects, sometimes catching flushed insects in mid-air, gleaning them from foliage while hovering, or grabbing them while climbing through the brush.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Bell's Vireo Song

Migration: Summer in the Great Plains, parts of the Midwest, and parts of the Southwest.  Winters in Mexico and southward.

Similar Species: White-eyed Vireo, Gray Vireo

Conservation Status: Populations in the southwestern U.S. are generally stable, but Bell's Vireo are declining in the Midwest and southern Plains, and are endangered in California.  

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Bell's Vireo

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Bell's Vireo"

3) eNature.com -- Bell's Vireo

Photo Information: July 29th, 2007 - Near Oahe Dam by Pierre - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Bell's Vireo photos.