Merlin
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Black-whiskered Vireo Identification

Black-whiskered Vireo Adult
Adult

Large for a vireo with a long, hooked bill. Gray crown contrasts with white eyebrow. Dark "whisker" borders the throat, but can be difficult to see.

© Linda J. Barry | Macaulay LibraryFreeport and West Grand Bahama, August 04, 2016
Black-whiskered Vireo Adult
Adult

Stocky, thick-necked songbird with a long, hooked bill. Underparts are whitish or washed yellow on brighter individuals. Black "whisker" not always noticeable.

© Linda J. Barry | Macaulay LibraryFreeport and West Grand Bahama, August 09, 2016
Black-whiskered Vireo Adult
Adult

© Eric Liner | Macaulay LibrarySantiago de Cuba, April 17, 2007
Black-whiskered Vireo Adult
Adult

Underparts are whitish with pale yellow undertail coverts that are hard to see on duller individuals. Dark "whisker" mark also not always easy to see.

© Chris Wood
Black-whiskered Vireo Adult
Adult

Individuals in the West Indies are browner above. Note white eyebrow and dark "whisker." Found in mangroves and lowland coastal hardwood forests.

© Paul Tavares | Macaulay LibrarySaint James, May 29, 2013
Black-whiskered Vireo Adult
Adult

© Eric Liner | Macaulay LibrarySantiago de Cuba, April 01, 2007
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Adult Description

  • Small drab bird.
  • Back olive-brown.
  • Whiter underneath.
  • Crown gray to brownish.
  • Eyebrow white with dusky stripe through the eye.
  • Thin black stripe along sides of throat.

Immature Description

Immature similar to adult, but duller, with buffier underparts, and may show faint wingbar.
Relative Size

Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 5.9-6.3 in (15-16 cm)
    • Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (17-22 g)

Species in This Family

Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis(Order: Passeriformes, Family:Vireonidae)

Black-capped VireoBlack-capped Vireo
White-eyed VireoWhite-eyed Vireo
Bell's VireoBell's Vireo
Gray VireoGray Vireo
Hutton's VireoHutton's Vireo
Yellow-throated VireoYellow-throated Vireo
Cassin's VireoCassin's Vireo
Blue-headed VireoBlue-headed Vireo
Plumbeous VireoPlumbeous Vireo
Philadelphia VireoPhiladelphia Vireo
Warbling VireoWarbling Vireo
Red-eyed VireoRed-eyed Vireo
Black-whiskered VireoBlack-whiskered Vireo

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