Bird Identification – The Yellow-throated Vireo

In a family not conspicuous for its fine feathers, this is certainly the beauty. The clear lemon yellow worn at its throat spreads over its vest; its coat is a richer and more yellowish green than the other vireos wear, and its two white wing-bars are as conspicuous as the white-eyed vireo’s. Moreover its mellow and rich voice, like a contralto’s, is raised to a higher pitch at the end of a sweetly sung triplet. “See me; I’m here; where are you?” the singer inquires over and over again from the trees in the woodland, or perhaps in the village when nesting duties are not engrossing. Don’t mistake it for the chat simply because its throat is yellow.

As this is the beauty of the family, so is it also the best nest builder.