Philadelphia Vireo Identification

Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Somewhat stocky songbird with a thick, hooked bill. Adults in fresh plumage are bright yellow below with a yellow throat. The dark gray crown contrasts with the white eyebrow, though this can be indistinct on some birds.

© Luke Seitz | Macaulay LibraryMaine, September 22, 2011
Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Small and stocky songbird. Rather plain and unmarked overall with a yellowish belly, gray crown, and grayish brown back. Note unmarked wings. Some individuals are brighter than others.

© Luke SeitzMaine, May 26, 2013
Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Song is a steady series of roughly 3-note phrases that end on an upswing or downswing, as if the bird is asking and answering a question, over and over. It is similar to the songs of several other vireo species, including Red-eyed and Blue-headed.

© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 30, 2004
Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Small songbird. Pale yellow below with a gray crown and white eyebrow. Easily confused with Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos.

© Andrew Spencer | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, June 01, 2014
Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Often perches horizontally. Upperparts are brownish gray with unmarked wings. Underparts are washed in pale yellow; some individuals are brighter. Note white eyebrow and dark eye.

© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibraryNew York, September 06, 2015
Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Hops between small twigs in trees and shrubs. This video has no audio.

© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 27, 1997
Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Jumps up to pick insects off leaves or grabs insects while perched. This video has no audio.

© DAVID BROWN | Macaulay LibraryNew York, September 01, 2004
Philadelphia Vireo Adult
Adult

Note the yellow underparts and plainer face; two features that help separate it from the similar looking Red-eyed Vireo. This video has no audio.

© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryNew York, September 09, 2012
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Adult Description

  • Small drab songbird.
  • Back grayish green.
  • Cap grayish.
  • Underparts pale yellow, palest on throat and deepest on breast.
  • Eyebrow white.
  • Blackish line through and in front of eye.
  • No wingbars, tail spots, or eyering.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.
Relative Size

Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 4.2-4.9 in (10.7-12.5 cm)
    • Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (10.3-16.1 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 in (19-21 cm)