Yellow-throated vireo

The yellow-throated vireo is a charming little songbird native to North America. It's easy to spot with its olive-colored head and upper body, bright yellow throat, and white belly. One of its most distinctive features is a pair of yellow "spectacles" around its dark eyes. The bird also sports dark wings and tail accented with white wing bars, blue-grey legs, and a sturdy bill.

The name "vireo" comes from Latin and typically refers to a green migratory bird. Its scientific name, "flavifrons" combines the Latin words for "yellow" and "forehead" perfectly describing its appearance.

These birds prefer to breed in open deciduous forests across southern Canada and the eastern United States. When winter approaches, they migrate to warmer areas like the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Occasionally, they even make rare appearances in western Europe.

Yellow-throated vireos primarily feed on insects, which they hunt high up in the trees. As they prepare for migration and during the winter months, they also enjoy eating berries and fruits, such as those from the gumbo-limbo tree.

These birds are also skilled nest builders. They construct cup-shaped nests that they securely attach to tree branches, ensuring their homes are both comfortable and safe.