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
See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

Compare with Similar Species

Click on an image to compare

Looking for ID Help?

Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds.

Try Merlin Bird ID

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)