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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Black-whiskered Vireo

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Name

Black-whiskered Vireo

Scientific Name

(Vireo altiloquus)

Why they are special:
  • A tropical vireo found in southern Florida and the Keys, easily recognized by its subtle facial markings. 
  • Named for the dark “whisker” line beneath the eye. 
Size and color:
  • Small songbird, 5–5.5 inches long. 
  • Olive-green back, pale underparts, white eye ring, black line under the eye, and grayish wings. 
Seasonality in Florida:
  • Summer breeder in southern Florida; migrates to the Caribbean in winter. 
Habitat:
  • Coastal hammocks, mangroves, and tropical hardwood forests. 
  • Often found in mid-canopy foliage, actively foraging. 
Diet:
  • Insects and small fruits. 
  • Feeds by gleaning leaves and twigs while hopping through vegetation. 
Behavior:
  • Active and agile; males sing from perches or while moving through the canopy. 
  • Nest built in dense foliage; typically a cup of grass and plant fibers. 
Conservation notes:
  • Populations are stable but localized; habitat destruction in mangroves and hardwood hammocks can reduce breeding sites. 
Best time to see:
  • Spring and summer, especially when males are singing during the breeding season. 
Fun Fact:
  • Their song is a buzzy, high-pitched series of notes, often repeated multiple times in a row.

 

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