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The White-eyed
Vireo is the most frequently seen and heard vireo on the
refuge, and a is permanent resident. Population numbers peak in the
fall, however, due to an influx of northern migrants. They can be found in most wooded habitats
and in thickets along the impoundments. They seem to prefer moister woodlands, but
can also be found occasionally in xeric hammock . They tend to spend their time lower
in the vegetation than the other vireos, foraging mainly in the shrub and understory
layer. The bright white iris is present only in adults; in young birds
(right) it is brown. |
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Red-eyed Vireos are
mostly migrants, but a few may stay as summer
residents and breed. Singing males can sometimes be heard in the mesic
and hydric hammocks
along the entrance road and parking lot. They are nowhere near as
abundant in forested habitats as they
are further north, where they are often one of the most abundant nesting birds of
deciduous forest. The red eye is
only present in adult birds. |
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Blue-headed Vireos (also called
Solitary Vireos) are uncommon winter residents in hammock habitats. Occasionally a
lone individual will be seen with mixed species foraging flocks of other winter
insectivores, such as warblers, titmice, gnatcatchers and kinglets. |
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An uncommon breeding bird, look
and listen
for Yellow-throated Vireos in the drier, upland hammocks near the refuge entrance.
They are most easily located by their single noted hoarse song, which they repeat
frequently and which carries well over distances. |