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Blue-headed Vireo Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A stocky small songbird with medium-length tail and fairly heavy, hooked bill and thick legs (compared to warblers).

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Carolina Chickadee, smaller than a Tufted Titmouse.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
      • Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz (13.2-17.2 g)
      • Wingspan: 8.7-9.5 in (22.2-24.2 cm)

Regional Differences

Northern populations from Canada to Pennsylvania (subspecies solitarius) have brighter greenish backs and more yellow on the sides; the larger Appalachian nesters (subspecies alticola), found from Maryland to Georgia, have a slatier gray back (thus little contrast between the head and back), and the yellow is usually confined to the flanks.