Vireos- ORDER: Passeriformes
- FAMILY: Vireonidae
Basic Description
In dense mangrove and hardwood forests of the Caribbean, the sweet song of the Black-whiskered Vireo is loud and clear, but its drab greenish plumage and slow movements make it hard to spot. Visually, it’s almost a twin of the widespread Red-eyed Vireo, but notice its thin, black mustache and more sharply hooked bill as it methodically hunts for insects and fruit in the canopy. This species eats more fruit than other vireos in its range.
More ID InfoFind This Bird
In South Florida, look for Black-whiskered Vireos in spring and summer, specifically, in mangroves and adjacent forests of the Florida Keys. Territorial males sing almost constantly even in the heat of day, so listening for the male’s distinctive song is the best way to find one. It may take some time to find the bird as it forages or sings from dense canopy. In the Caribbean (and on South American wintering grounds) they use a wider variety of habitats.
Other Names
- Vireo Bigotudo (Spanish)
- Viréo à moustaches (French)