Day 167: White-eyed Vireo

Another type of vireo that we see or hear this time of year in Maryland is the White-eyed Vireo. This migratory songbird is known for its explosive and complex singing. Individual birds rotate through a dozen or more distinct songs, each comprising six to ten highly variable elements.

White-eyed Vireos have white irises that are surrounded by a yellow mask. During the breeding season, they eat insects almost exclusively.