An Activity Guide About the Songbirds of British Columbia Family VIREONIDAE: Vireos

FIELD MARKS There are five species of vireos in British Columbia. Vireos are relatively plain, patternless birds that are greenish-olive on top and white below with yellowish sides. The name vireo comes from the Latin word for green colouration. They have a short, thick bill that is slightly hooked at the tip. Vireos are known for their persistent, repetitive singing. FOOD Vireos eat a large amount of insects, especially caterpillars. They also eat a lot of berries and small fruit, especially in the winter. Most of their feeding is done in trees and bushes, searching along branches. HABITAT These birds live in forests. They migrate south for the winter. NESTING Vireo nests are compact and neat like small baskets. They are usually positioned in the middle of a fork, with the rim of the basket woven onto a horizontal twig. Their nests are often easy to spot. The female and the male both help build the nest, and take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young. Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)