This Vireo, whose mark of identification is an ash-blue crown, is by no means as much of a recluse as the name Solitary would indicate. It does, indeed, prefer remote and swampy woods, but, though much rarer than the preceding species, is often seen about orchards, and in the migrations exhibits many of the cheerful, sociable family qualities, peering at you in the woods, and often coming quite near in its rather anxious curiosity.
Its song is of the unmistakable Vireo type, but is rather shrill, and is continued for a long period; according to Mr. Bicknell, as late as October 9 on its return migration. To learn to judge accurately and quickly between the songs of the five Vireos is an accomplishment that you must not expect to aequire until your ear is thoroughly seasoned; but three of the five—the Red-eyed, the Warbling, and the White-eyed — will give you but little trouble.
White-eyed Vireo: Vireo noveboracensis.
- Length: 5 inches.
- Male and Female: Above olive-green, rump obscurely yellow. Below white, sides of breast and belly clear yellow. Yellow line from beak to and round eye. Two yellow wing bars. Iris white. Tail feathers yellow-edged. Bill and feet dark lead-coloured.}}
- Song: Colloquial. " Delivered with strong expression and very variable in intonation."
- Season: May to September. Common summer resident.
- Breeds: Through its United States range, but more sparingly in the Northern States.
- Nest and Eggs: Similar to the Red-eyed, but in a low bush or vine; eggs decidedly smaller than the other species.
- Range: Eastern United States, west to the Rocky Mountains, north to southern New England and Minnesota; south in winter to Guatemala. Resident in the Bermudas.
This small, nervous Vireo, with a Wren's vehement scolding powers, is a common garden and wood-lot bird, taking refuge in bushy places like the Chat, Catbird, and Maryland Yellow-throat. In other parts of New England it is rare in varying degrees. Dr. J. A. Allen, writing of it from Springfield, Mass., says that out of a thousand of the smaller land-birds taken during three years by different collectors
