Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Plumbeous Vireo
Viréo plombé
Vireo plumbeus
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species: The Plumbeous Vireo (Vireo plumbeus) came about after the Solitary Vireo was divided into three different vireo species, these being the Blue-Headed Vireo, Cassin's Vireo and Plumbeous Vireo. All three vireos are seen and recognized in different areas of North America. These vireos may mix with one another at various times of the year, migration periods and on winter grounds. The Plumbeous Vireo can be found in conifer and deciduous forests, parks and woodlands. It behaves in the same manner as the Blue-headed Vireo and can be observed moving deliberately through the branches in search of insects.
Distinctions: The male and female are very similar looking in appearance. It has a large bill with a visible hook at the end of upper bill, same identifying features seen in other vireos. Dull gray crown, body and tail feathers, bold white lores and spectacles, two wing bars, white edges of tertials and primaries, greyish flanks, white throat, breast and undertail.
Voice: Nasal sounding, similar sounds to other vireo types, multiple call notes. Sings throughout the day even after breeding season.
Nesting: Three to five white eggs, speckled with brown or black spots. Suspended from a fork in branches of trees. The nest is composed of strips of wood bark, plant fibres and lined with fine grasses and spiderwebs.
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.75" 14.6cm | 10" 25.4cm | 0.63oz. 17.9g | Vireonidae | Vireo plumbeus |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
The Plumbeous Vireo is seen from southern Montana to northeastern California and into New Mexico, as well as western Texas and north into the central mid-states. It is also seen in western Mexico. Careful observation is needed to differentiate this vireo from the Cassin's Vireo.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.
