Red-eyed Vireo

One of the most common birds of the Eastern forests, the Red-eyed Vireo is heard far more than it is seen. It sings continuously from the forest canopy from dawn to dusk. The vireo's song is a series of phrases interspaced with short pauses, like the song of an American Robin broken into pieces.

Although animal food makes up 85 percent of its summer diet, the Red-eyed Vireo may be completely frugivorous (fruit-eating) during the winter. The Red-eyed Vireo is a common host to the Brown-headed Cowbird, which lays its eggs in the vireo's nest. Red-eyed Vireos living year-round in South America may be a separate species.