English and Scientific names:

Bell's Vireo,  Vireo bellii

Number of individuals: 

1 probably eastern or intermediate race. Dull in coloring.

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Vermilion Parish

Specific Locality:

Spoil bank of old intercoastal canal about 5 miles south of Forked Island. Northern zone of marsh that stretches to the gulf.

Date(s) when observed:

October 15, 2005

Time(s) of day when observed:  

12 noon

Reporting observer and address:

Dave Patton
Lafayette, LA

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird

Paul Conover

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Good. Bright clear skies.

Optical equipment: 

Binoculars

Distance to bird(s): 

20 feet

Duration of observation:

30 minutes. relocated several times.

Habitat: 

trees and scrub found on spoil bank of intercoastal canal.

Behavior of bird: 

Feeding actively with a mixed flock of migrants consisting of warblers, kinglets, vireos, gnatcatchers, etc. Working an area about 3 acres in size. Actively hunting the canopy of the trees.

Description:

Passerine a little larger than the R-c Kinglets it associated with. Bill was dull tipped as with most vireos. Crown was medium gray becoming dull green on the back. Throat was ash colored becoming washed out yellow on the breast belly and under tail coverts. Dull white cresent above and below the eye with a dull dark eye line. One distinct pale wing bar on dark wings.

Voice:

None

Similar species:

White-eyed Vireo has more defined yellow spectacles, 2 brighter wing bars, usually vocal.

Warbling Vireo - no wing bars
Red-eyed Vireo - much bolder face pattern.
Phil. Vireo - more yellow on the underside, bolder eye pattern with no white bellow eye.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

Video - by Paul Conover

Previous experience with this species: 

A few in LA, and often on trips west.

Identification aids:

National Geo and Sibley's

This description is written from: 

Memory

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Yes

Reporter: 

Dave Patton

Date and time: 

10-16-05, 12 Noon