The Red-eyed Vireo, like many of the vireos, is often high in the tree tops. They are probably heard more often than seen, although they can be one of the most numerous birds in forests of the eastern United States. Males will often sing their song repeatedly and nonstop for hours at a time, leading to their nickname of the "preacher bird".
Habitat
Uses deciduous and mixed forest during the summer breeding season, although they can also occasionally be found in conifer forests. Within these habitats, they are most often found along forest edges and clearings. They also are sometimes found in isolated prairie groves.Diet
Primarily feeds on insects, especially during the summer months. Will also feed on berries and small fruits.Behavior
Moves through foliage both by climbing through branches and foliage or by making short flights and hovering, capturing insects both while perched or hovering.Nesting
June and July. The nest of a Red-eyed Vireo is a small cut built of grasses, bark strips, weed stems, small rootlets, and spider webs, placed in the fork of a small branch. The female lays between 3 and 5 eggs, and she alone incubates them. When the eggs hatch, both parents help tend to the young, who leave the nest after about 12 days.Song
The Red-eyed Vireo is famous for its persistent series of short, deliberate whistled phrases, often described as if the bird is asking and answering questions throughout the day. Its song consists of clear, robin-like notes separated by brief pauses and may continue almost nonstop from high in the forest canopy during summer.Migration
Summers throughout much of the U.S. except for the southwestern quarter of the country. Also summers throughout much of southern and western Canada. Winters in South America.Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Red-eyed Vireo sightingsSimilar Species
In range in South Dakota, relatively distinctive if seen well. In state, Philadelphia Vireo is the species most likely to be confused with Red-eyed Vireo. The Red-eyed Vireo is larger and less yellow below than the Philadelphia Vireo, with the trademark red eye. Philadelphia Vireos are brighter yellow on the underparts and face, appear more compact, and usually show darker lores that create a faint spectacled look.
Outside of the state, may be confused with Black-whiskered Vireo , Yellow-green Vireo. The Red-eyed Vireo differs from the Black-whiskered Vireo by lacking the dark “whisker” stripe bordering the throat and by having a slightly greener back and less contrasting face pattern. Compared to the Yellow-green Vireo, Red-eyed Vireos are less brightly colored overall, with whiter underparts and duller olive-green upperparts rather than the stronger yellow-green tones of Yellow-green Vireos.
