Blue-headed Vireo

Blue-headed Vireo
The Blue-headed Vireo, the Plumbeous Vireo and the Cassin's Vireo were formerly considered a single species known as the Solitary Vireo. The Blue-headed Vireo is a handsome and distinctively patterned bird. It is known to most people as a fairly common migrant, usually arriving somewhat earlier in the spring than other vireos. It and the White-eyed Vireo are the only two eastern vireos that do not completely leave the United States in winter. Like other vireos it moves slowly and deliberately through the trees, peering with head cocked to one side in search of insects.

The Blue-headed Vireo has a blue-gray crown, nape and face; olive-green back; white throat and underparts; two broad white wing-bars and large white "spectacles"; yellow flanks and sides. The females and immatures are grayer on the head. Its song is a rather slow series of sweet, slurred phrases like that of Red-eyed Vireo, but slower and more musical while its call is a husky chatter.

The Blue-headed Vireo breeds from northeastern British Columbia across central interior Canada to Newfoundland and south through the Great Lakes region, southern New England and in the Appalachians to North Carolina. It winters from the Carolinas to Texas. It prefers coniferous and mixed forests.
Blue-headed Vireo Range Map