Early Spring Date:	April 15
Late Spring Date:	May 22
Infrequently Seen

Spring: Eastern Warbling Vireos nest in the Washington area, including at Dyke Marsh and along the C&O Canal, but they are uncommon at Monticello Park. In most years, none have been recorded at Monticello.

Fall: Very few Eastern Warbling Vireos have ever been recorded at Monticello during the fall.

Where to See Them in the Park

Eastern Warbling Vireos usually forage in the canopy. Sometimes, they perch in the canopy and sing. Because they look so drab, they can be difficult to find, even if they are singing.

Physical Description

Eastern Warbling Vireos are nondescript, and their drabness can be one of the characteristics for identifying them. They have a dull brown back with no wingbars. They have light underparts that sometimes have a yellowish wash. The light line over the eye does not stand out as much as on some of the other vireo species. The sexes look similar. Plumage does not vary between the spring and fall, but birds of both sexes in each season can look either brighter or duller.

On some birds, the line over the eye is barely visible.

Vocalizations

The Eastern Warbling Vireo's song is a long warble that sounds like a House or Purple Finch.

Hear the vocalizations of the Eastern Warbling Vireo.

Notes

Warbling Vireos are found throughout the United States and Mexico, as well as parts of Canada and Central America. In 2025, the eastern birds were split from the western birds into two species.

Origin of Names

Common Names: Eastern to distinguish them from the Western Warbling Vireo. Warbling from its song. Vireo is Latin for green.
Genus Name: Vireo means green.
Species Name: Gilvus means yellowish.

Eastern Warbling Vireo video footage

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