Yellow-winged Vireo

The Yellow-winged Vireo, scientifically known as Vireo carmioli, is a diminutive passerine bird, a jewel of the highland forests. This species is adorned with olive-green upperparts and contrasting blackish wings that boast two distinct yellow bars. A yellowish supercilium extends to meet an interrupted white eye ring, while the throat dazzles in white. The underparts are a pale yellow, gently merging into olive along the flanks. The young are distinguishable by their browner upperparts and exceedingly pale yellow underparts.

Identification Tips

When endeavoring to identify the Yellow-winged Vireo, look for its compact 11.5 cm stature and a weight of around 13 grams. Key features include the yellow wing bars, the yellowish supercilium connecting to the white eye ring, and the white throat contrasting with pale yellow underparts.

Habitat

The Yellow-winged Vireo is endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, where it frequents the canopy of mountain forests. It can be found from elevations of 2000 meters up to the timberline, occasionally venturing into undergrowth or tall secondary growth.

Distribution

This species is a highland specialist, residing in the mountainous regions of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Behaviour

These vireos are known to feed in the company of mixed-species flocks or alongside the flame-throated warblers. They exhibit a cooperative spirit, with both sexes engaging in the construction of their nest, incubation of eggs, and feeding of their young.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Yellow-winged Vireo includes a nasal 'nit' call. Its song is a melodious and slurred sequence, reminiscent of 'viree chichu chuyee; viree viree cheeyu; viree witchum vireee,' echoing through the highland forests.

Breeding

The breeding behavior of the Yellow-winged Vireo involves crafting a small cup nest in the fork of a branch, positioned 3 to 20 meters above ground in a tree or shrub. The clutch typically consists of two dark-spotted white eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Yellow-winged Vireo is composed of spiders and insects, which it gleans from tree foliage. Additionally, it partakes in small fruits to supplement its diet.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Yellow-winged Vireo as Least Concern, indicating a stable population within its habitat range.