Yellow-Throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

1st alternative:
      (Oak (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Assorted Hardwoods (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))

2nd alternative:
      (Swamp Hardwoods (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
      or (Bottomland Hardwoods (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
   adjacent to:
      Riparian

Habitat List:

view size class definitions

Literature:

Habitat: The Habitat in which this species achieves the greatest abundance is mature oak forests. In such areas, it may out number the Red-eyed Vireo. It is also found in wetter deciduous woodlands and even swamps, but there it is more likely to be encountered at the edges, being outnumbered in the interior by the Red-eyed Vireo. The Yellow-throated Vireo also is found in streamside woodlands and along roadsides, their artificial equivalent. Atlas Habitat data showed that this species is essentially absent from mixed and coniferous forest. It may be replaced in these habitats by the Solitary Vireo. The nest is a beautifully woven cup usually placed at a medium-to-high elevation in a tree.

The increase in Michigan, which occurred coincidentally for several species occupying the same habitats as this vireo, is perhaps due to the maturation of second-growth forest, in particular that on well-drained soils marginal for agriculture. This type of soil favors the open deciduous woodland that this species prefers.

Habitat: Breeding: Tall deciduous trees in woodlands with partially opened canopy, seldom in dense forests, rarely in conifers. Frequents roadsides, borders of streams, orchards and woodland borders, swampy woods.

Special Habitat Requirements: Tall deciduous trees.

Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, shade trees. Breeds in tall trees in open deciduous woods. Prefers trees such as oaks and maples along streams, lakes, and roadsides. Also will summer in tall trees or orchards in towns. Avoids areas with dense undergrowth. Generally absent in mixed or coniferous forest where it is probably replaced by the Solitary Vireo.

Feeding: Mostly insects, some berries. Feeds mainly on insects. In summer, over one-third of diet may be caterpillars, moths, and butterflies; also eats true bugs, scale insects, aphids, leafhoppers, beetles, sawflies, tree crickets, dragonflies, cicadas, and others. Will also eat various berries, especially in fall.

Nest: Placed in tree (usually deciduous), generally 20-40 feet above the ground but can be 3-60 feet up. Both sexes help build open thick-walled cup nest, supported by the rim woven onto a horizontal forked twig. Nest made of weeds, shreds of bark, grass, leaves, and plant fibers. Outside of nest bound with spider webs and camouflaged with lichens and mosses; lined with fine grass and pine needles. Frequently parasitized by cowbirds.