ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Yellow-throated Vireo

Yellow-throated Vireo

Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery

The Vireo family is a small group of forest dwelling, sparrow-sized birds. They are plainly colored with most having white underparts. The bill is rather stout compared to that of warblers. Vireos feed by gleaning insects from tree leaves. Although rather sluggish birds, they are very persistent singers.

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Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 14 days

• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 14 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects and fruit

Description
This vireo can be identified by its yellow throat, breast, and "spectacles." The head and back are olive-green and the belly is white.

Habitat and Habits
This vireo inhabits woodlands, but it favors relatively open woods with a fairly open understory and many oaks. While vireos can sound confusingly similar, the yellow-throated has a very rough, burry quality to its voice.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are built high in a forked branch of a tree. It is usually made of mosses, grass, and spiderweb silk.