Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

Differentiating a Warbling Vireo from a Philadelphia Vireo is a tricky proposition. There are no recognized subspecies for the Philadelphia Vireo, yet there is some variation to their look. Some field guides describe “Drab” adults vs. “Bright” adults, with the “Bright” birds having more of a yellow wash than the “Drab” individuals. Adding to the confusion, we divide Warbling Vireos into an “Eastern” and “Western” clan and the Eastern group has a “Drab” and a “Bright” contingent.

In dim lighting, both species might be mistaken for other members of the “no eye-ring, no spectacles” group of vireos, such as the Red-Eyed Vireo and others, but the resemblance is strongest between the Warbling and the Philadelphia Vireos.

Our Vireo (Philadelphia) breeds in southern Canada and upper New England, where they seek deciduous woodland edge habitat to raise families. When breeding season ends, these birds migrate south to southern Mexico and Central America to spend the winter.

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