Jamaican Vireo
Vireo modestus
A small inhabitant of thickets in woodlands and scrublands where it feeds by actively searching for insects within tangles; avoids mangroves and well-manicured woodlands that lack dense undergrowth. The Greater Antillean Elaenia shares this species’ wingbars and overall dull coloration, but the elaenia has prominent whitish markings around the eye and is usually found perched upright or flycatching. The Jamaican Vireo’s song includes a “chi-wee, chi-wee, chi-wee, chi-wee, you,” a “chi-wuh, chi-wuh, chi-wuh, zha,” and a “wee-wee-zhrr.” Calls include “jip,” given singly or in a series, and a harsh upslurred “zhweee.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Vireo modestus
- Authority
- Sclater, PL, 1861
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vireonidae
- Genus
- Vireo
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Eleonora's Falcon
Falco eleonorae
Strikingly long-winged and long-tailed elegant falcon with dark underwing coverts. Two plumage morphs: dark morph is uniformly dark while pale morph has white cheeks and a chestnut belly streaked with black. Juveniles resemble juvenile Eurasian Hobby but with contrasting underwing pattern. Graceful, relaxed flight may resemble a jaeger (skua), and is capable of similar turns of speed. Specializes on hunting migratory birds. Breeds on coastal cliffs and islands.
Saffron Siskin
Spinus siemiradzkii
Rare finch restricted to arid lowlands and foothills of western Ecuador and far northwestern Peru. Plumage is golden with black wings marked with yellow stripes; male has a dark hood. May overlap with the very similar Hooded Siskin in the foothills of the Andes, and birds seen in this region are not always identifiable. Saffron Siskin is slightly brighter on average, and male’s back is cleaner, lacking dusky markings. Usually seen in small flocks that feed mainly on seeds in trees, bushes, and tall grass.
Lemon-spectacled Tanager
Chlorothraupis olivacea
Chunky tanager, unlikely to be mistaken within limited range from eastern Panama to extreme northwest Ecuador. Mostly dull olive with brighter yellow throat and bold yellow spectacles. Note its stout bill. Sexes similar. Prefers the interior of humid lowland forest, up to around 400 m. Typically found in small groups or pairs in the understory to middle levels, often with mixed-species flocks. Often detected by its loud squeaky chatters.
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