Cozumel Vireo

Vireo bairdi

Only on Cozumel Island, Mexico, where no similar species occur. Uncommon; has declined thanks to predation by non-native boa constrictor snakes released on the island. Occurs in scrubby woodland, overgrown fields and thickets. Usually sluggish, like most vireos, and easily overlooked. Readily identified by its ‘cute’ face with a white patch between the eyes and bill; white wingbars; and unique, pinkish-tawny plumage tones. Voice similar to Mangrove Vireo of the mainland.

Identification

The Cozumel vireo (Vireo bairdi) is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Vireonidae, the vireos, greenlets, and shrike-babblers. It is endemic to the Mexican island of Cozumel off the Yucatán Peninsula.

Taxonomy

Genus: Vireo; Family: Vireonidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Vireo bairdi
Authority
Ridgway, 1885
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Vireonidae
Genus
Vireo

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend
unknown

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Louisiade White-eye

Louisiade White-eye

Zosterops griseotinctus

A small, rather plain yellow-olive white-eye. Yellowest on the head and neck with a clear white eye-ring and a long, slightly decurved pinkish-colored bill. Found in most forested or vegetated habitats. Common call is a loud repetitive “chip-chip-chip.”

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

Striking warbler with vastly different male and female plumages. Males are unique deep blue above with black face and sides and white belly. Females are plain brownish-olive with dingy buffy underparts and subtle face pattern. Always look for small white patch on the wing, lacking only on the dullest immature females. Breeds in the understory of mixed forests, favoring hills with dense vegetation. Found in nearly any wooded or shrubby habitat during migration. Winters primarily in the Caribbean. Listen for lazy buzzy song, usually a series of notes with a final long buzz.

Plain-breasted Ground Dove

Plain-breasted Ground Dove

Columbina minuta

Small, inconspicuous dove of savannas and open grassland with scattered low bushes and palmettos; also found locally in cane fields and pastures. Usually found in pairs or small groups, sometimes associating with other ground doves. Both sexes are rather plain overall, with diagnostic purple marks on the back, although the color is often hard to see. The female can be easily confused with the much commoner Ruddy Ground Dove, which also has a plain breast, but the Ruddy Ground Dove is larger and warmer brown overall; also note vocal differences.

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