North American Bird Search Box
This search box can be used to find bird species using bird's english, french or latin name, or to identify bird by its 4 letter Alpha Code
Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Western Warbling Vireo
4 Letter (english names) Alpha Code: EAWV (1)
Viréo de swainson
Vireo swainsoni
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species: The Western Warbling Vireo (Vireo swainsoni) was given its own species in 2025, when it was split apart from the Warbling Vireo (which is now the Eastern Warbling Vireo). It is recognized by its warbling melody, heard from up high, in mostly deciduous trees. It is heard more often than seen. It has a similar appearance to the Eastern Warbling Vireo and the Philadelphia Vireo, that has all the same features but shows more yellow on its breast and flanks. It is similar to all the other vireo species, its main diet is insects,.
Distinctions: The male and female are similar looking in appearance. It has a large bill with a visible hook at the end of the upper bill, same identifying features seen in other vireos. It is very plain in appearance, soft dull green or light brown body with a white breast, resembles warbler-type birds, but has a stockier build. Soft green to light brown plumage, strong white eye browlines, no wing bars and slightly yellow-coloured flanks.
Voice: Warbling melody, easily recognized, sings from high up in mature deciduous trees and is heard more often than seen.
Life, Habitat & Pictures of North American Vireos
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5" 14cm | 8.5" 21.6cm | 0.4oz 11.3g | Vireonidae | Vireo swainsoni |
North American Bird Calls
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The Western Warbling Vireo was split apart from the Warbling Vireo in 2025. This vireo can be seen or found (depending on the time of the year) from the southern tip of Mexico, right up into Alaska, on to the eastern Aleutian Island and into the Yukon and North Western Territories. These vireos can seen east to the mid states. It is similar looking to the Eastern Warbling Vireo with subtle differences, it has a noticeable different call to the Eastern Warbling Vireo.
Reference to Other Bird Site:
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.