Vancouver is playing host to two significant bird events this summer — the 27th International Ornithological Congress, which takes place every four years and attracts ornithologists (bird scientists) from around the world, and the inaugural Vancouver International Bird Festival.
Each week leading up to the festival and congress Aug. 19-26, we’ll highlight a different bird. British Columbia is home to 573 species of birds and many can be found in and around Vancouver.
Bird of the Week
Warbling Vireo
Species Name
Vireo gilvus
Appearance
Length: 11-13 centimetres
Wingspan: 22 centimetres
Weight: 10-14 grams
A small passerine with a stout bill, slightly forked tail and short, thick legs. Vireos are similar in appearance to wood warblers but with a slightly larger head and a heavier bill.
They have olive-grey above and whitish below, with a paler supercilium and slate blue legs. Western populations have darker crowns and are somewhat smaller.
Habitat/Behaviour
Their breeding habitat is a deciduous or mixed, open woodlands.
Primarily insectivorous, they will take some berries and other fruit, especially during the winter or when preparing for migration.
Breeding
Warbling vireos are monogamous, build cup-shaped nests in trees, lay between one and five whitish eggs and have one to two broods.
More about birds:
- Get the Vancouver bird checklist online or on your iPhone
- 10 simple birding tips
- Check out more on the 27th International Ornithological Congress and all the events planned for the inaugural Vancouver International Bird Festival
Source: Vancouver International Bird Festival
