education: birds of georgia
Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus
Red-eyed Vireo. Photographed at
Kennesaw Mountain, GA on Apr. 18, 2005.
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This species is the most common vireo in Georgia. It is a common breeding summer resident throughout the state, but it is less common in the extreme south, 15 Mar ( 2000) - 12 Nov ( 1999). Peak passage occurs 17 Apr-16 May and 30 Aug- 26 Sep.(Beaton, et al, 2003. Annotated Checklist of Georgia Birds). As suggested by the common name, the species shows a distinctly red eye color, unlike all other vireos. It can be found in most larger tracts of deciduous trees in the summer months where its distinctive song can be heard throughout the day. This species can be told from other Georgia vireos by its relatively longer bill, its gray crown with a distinct black border below and a broad white supercilium with dark lores. The breast is white and the back is green or olivaceous giving rise to the latin name Vireo olivaceus. The red eye is difficult to see without a good look in favorable light and should not be relied upon for identification. Conservation threats include logging of mature hardwoods in which it nests and forages, usually in the upper branches.
Range in Georgia (Georgia GAP project)
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