Black-whiskered Vireo,  Vireo altiloquus

Number of accepted Black-whiskered Vireo records for Louisiana = 69 as of 25th Report of the LBRC (2022)


Accepted Records

One female (1957-012) on 26 April 1957, Cameron: 3.5 mi. E Cameron; Albert Wolfson (LSUMZ 22064). Specimen identified as subspecies V. a. barbatulus. This represents the first accepted occurrence for Louisiana.

One male (1961-013) on 18 March 1961, Jefferson: Grand Isle, 0.8 mi. E corner of Coast Guard Station; Sidney A. Gauthreaux (LSUMZ 23781). This represents the second specimen for Louisiana and one of only two specimen records of nominate subspecies altiloquus.

One male (1963-005) on 5 May 1963, Jefferson: Grand Isle; Stephen M. Russell (LSUMZ 32228). Specimen identified as V. a. barbatulus. This represents the third specimen for Louisiana. Specimen label says pair, one collected.

One male (1963-006) on 17 August 1963, Orleans: New Orleans, Paris X Morrison roads; A. W. Palmisano (LSUMZ 31221). Specimen identified as V. a. barbatulus. This represents the fourth specimen for Louisiana.

One male (1964-010) on 26 April 1964, Cameron: 3 mi. E Johnsons Bayou; Burt L. Monroe, Jr. (LSUMZ 32930). Specimen identified as V. a. barbatulus. This represents the sixth specimen for Louisiana.

One female (1966-007) on 30 April 1966, Cameron: Peveto Beach Woods, 5 mi. E Johnson Bayou School; A. W. Palmisano (LSUMZ 51251). Specimen identified as V. a. barbatulus. This represents the seventh specimen for Louisiana.

One female (1970-017) on 26 April 1970, Cameron: Cameron; Kenneth M. Eyster (LSUMZ 155577, originally USL 501) and Tim Hebert (preparator). Specimen identified as V. a. altiloquus. This represents the ninth specimen for Louisiana and the second of nominate subspecies altiloquus.

The above represent seven (all study skins) of the first nine specimen records from Louisiana. There are two additional unreviewed specimens from the 1960s, one a skeleton and one a life mount. The LBRC anticipates review of these other specimens in the near future. See also Remsen et al.(1996) for records through 1994.

One (1984-065) on 24 April 1984, Cameron: Johnsons Bayou, Johnsons Bayou Woods; Ronald J. Stein.

One adult male (1986-57) on 20 Apr. 1986, Cameron: East Jetty Woods; Paul Lehman (ph, Imhof 1986, p. 485), Donna L. Dittmann, Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ #130583), Louis Bevier, Douglas R. Willick.

One adult male (1986-65) on 26 Apr. 1986, Cameron: Cow Island, 1 mi. W, 1/2 mi. N Rockefeller Refuge Hdqts.; Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ #130584) & Paul Lehman, Brian E. Daniels, Donna L. Dittmann, David P. Muth, Douglas R. Willick, Curtis Marantz, Louis Bevier.

One (1986-32; formerly 89-117) on 27 Apr. 1986, Cameron: East Jetty Woods; B. Mac Myers III, Robert D. Purrington II (AB 40(3):485).

One (1986-66) on 27 Apr. 1986, Cameron: Garner Ridge; Paul Lehman, Steven W. Cardiff, Donna L. Dittmann, David P. Muth, Louis Bevier, Brian E. Daniels, Douglas R. Willick, Curtis Marantz.

One (1988-30; formerly 89-4) on 18 May 1988, Jefferson: Grand Isle; Norton Nelkin (AB 42(3):448; Remsen et al., 1998).

One male (1988-35; formerly 89-36) on 5 Jun. 1988, Cameron: Garner Ridge; J. V. Remsen (LSUMZ #130655; AB 42(5):1303).

One adult female (1988-59; formerly 89-59) on 6 June 1988, Cameron: ca 5 mi. E Cameron; Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ #138332; Jackson 1988, p. 1303).

One (89-118) on 8 Apr. 1989, Jefferson: Grand Isle, woods north of Sureway Super Market; B. Mac Myers 111, John P. Sevenair, CS, A&GS, Crescent Bird Club Members (AB 43(3):494).

One (90-43) on 14 May 1990, Jefferson: Grand Isle; Gwen and Al Smalley (AB 44(3):443).

One adult (91-21) on 8 May 1991, Jefferson: Grand Isle; Curtis C. Sorrells (AB 45(3):459; LOS 141; Remsen et al. 1996).

One (91-60) on 8 May 1991, Jefferson: Grand Isle; Gwen B. & Alfred E. Smalley; AB 45(3): 459.

One (92-47) on 25 May 1992, Jefferson: Grand Isle (Cemetery Woods), David P. Muth (Remsen et al. 1996; Remsen et al. 1998). Vague reference ("numbers seen from Dauphin Island to Grand Isle") in AB 46(3):436.

One male (92-46) on 6 June 1992, Cameron: Peveto Beach Woods (Holleyman Sanctuary); Curtis C. Sorrells, Gwen B. and Alfred E. Smalley, John P. Sevenair and Phillip A. Wallace (ph)(AB 46(5):1146).

One female (93-96) on 16 Apr. 1993, Cameron: 0.3 mi. S of Hwy. 82 at Johnsons Bayou; net casualty from Neotropical Migrants Project (LSUMZ 159436) and Donna L. Dittmann (*)(Remsen et al. 1998).

Two (1997-71) on 27-30 May 1997, Jefferson: Harahan; Peter A. Yaukey, Karen Fay, and James Beck. Reportedly present until 12 June 1997.

One male (1997-40) from 7-8 July 1997, St. Charles: Bonnet Carre� Spillway; Ronald J. Stein.

One (98-15) on 18 Apr 1998, Jefferson: Grand Isle, woods behind Sureway Market; Allan Strong, Phillip Wallace (ph), Peter H. Yaukey, and George Payne (ph only).

One (98-16) on 19 Apr 1998, Jefferson: Grand Isle, W of Exxon facility; Phillip Wallace and B. Mac Myers III (ph). No. 98-16 and No. 98-15 are noted in FN 52(3): 343 and LOS News 184: 16.

Up to three (99-118) from 30 May-4 Sep 1999, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Sureway Market woods; Robert D. Purrington (ph taken 30 May), David P. Muth (card only), Steven W. Cardiff (card only), Richard L. Knight (card only); Phillip A. Wallace (card only); NAB 53(3): 290, NAB 53(4): 396, LOS News 187: 3. Most observations involved 1-2 individuals, thought to be a pair and possibly breeding. On 2 Jul, three birds were present: �the pair� plus another singing male.

One (2001-018) on 6 May 2001, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Phillip A. Wallace and B. Mac Myers III.

One (2004-12) on 7 Apr 2004, Cameron: Peveto Beach Woods; Dave Patton.

One male (2004-36) on 25 Apr 2004, Cameron: approximately 5 mi. E of Cameron; Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 177869) and Donna L. Dittmann.

One (2004-10) on 1 May 2004, Lafourche: Fourchon Road, back ridge; Robert D. Purrington, Phillip A. Wallace (ph), and David P. Muth (ph only); this and the preceding two records reported in NAB58(3):386.

Video still by Phillip Wallace

One (2004-073) on 3 May 2004, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Robert D. Purrington.

One (2005-05) on 1 May 2005, Cameron: Peveto Beach Woods; Phred M. Benham and Matthew T. Pontiff (ph only); NAB59(3):448.

One (2006-71) on 16 April 2006, Jefferson: Grand Isle, entrance to Sureway Woods, Erik I. Johnson (ph).

Photo by Erik I. Johnson

One (2006-007) on 29 April 2006, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Justin Bosler.

One (2007-29/2007-43; erroneously published twice) on 13 May 2007, Cameron: Peveto Beach Woods; Erik I. Johnson (ph); NAB61(3):461.

Photo by Erik I. Johnson

One (2008-031) on 5 April 2008, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract ; Devin Bosler.

One (2008-40) on 19-20 April 2008, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Grilleta tract; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann (ph) and Justin Bosler (ph).

Photo by Justin Bosler

One (2008-15) on 27 April 2008, Cameron: Hackberry Ridge; Phillip A. Wallace (ph), Paul E. Conover (ph). Originally discovered by Gary Broussard.

Photo by Paul E. Conover

One (2009-110) on 19 April 2009, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Edward J. Raynor.

One (2009-38) on 28 April-9 May 2009, Cameron: Peveto Woods Sanctuary; Jay V. Huner (ph) and Tom Finnie (ph).

Photo by Tom Finnie

One (2009-39) on 5-7 May 2009, Cameron: Sabine NWR nature trail; Jay V. Huner and John P. Sevenair (ph).

Photo by John Sevenair

One (2010-106) on 29 May 2010, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Andrew Wheelan.

One adult (2011-075) on 12 April 2011, and presumably the same individual there 16-17 April 2011, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Sureway Woods; Scott Terrill (ph), David P. Muth, Donna L. Dittmann (ph), Steven W. Cardiff (ph). Reportedly first discovered by Colin Boeh on 12 April.

Photo by Scott Terrill

One adult (2011-076) on 16 April 2011, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Grilletta Tract and possibly the same or another individual nearby 17 April at Coulon Rigaud Lane; Donna L. Dittmann (ph) and Steven W. Cardiff, David P. Muth (ph).

Photo by David P. Muth

One (2012-134) on 3 May 2012, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Dan O�Malley (ph).

Photo by Dan O�Malley

One (2012-081) on 9 May 2012, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Donna L. Dittmann (ph) and Steven W. Cardiff.

One (2013-027/2013-074; erroneously published twice) on 13 April 2013 and presumably the same individual 19 April 2013, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Grilleta Tract; Phillip A. Wallace (ph) and Dan O�Malley (ph).

Photo by Phillip A. Wallace

One (2013-026) on 19 April 2013, Cameron: Johnsons Bayou, Peveto Woods Sanctuary; Jay V. Huner (ph) and Billy Jones (ph only). Reportedly discovered by Robby J. Bacon.

Photo by Billy Jones

One (2014-057) on 6 April 2014, Jefferson: Grand Isle, N. end Landry Ln.; Phillip A. Wallace (ph).

Photo by Phillip A. Wallace

One (2015-074) on 19 April 2015, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Jefferson St. at intersection of Paula Ave.; David P. Muth.

Photo by David P. Muth

One (2014-112) on 4 July 2014, Orleans: New Orleans, City Park Couturie Arboretum; Jody Shugart (ph).

Photo by Jody Shugart

Two (2015-043) on 8 June 2015, Plaquemines: Pass a Loutre WMA, Cadro Pass Campground; Dan O�Malley (ph).

Photo by Dan O�Malley

One (2015-044) on 8 June 2015, Jefferson: Grand Isle SP adjacent to Admiral Craik Rd., ca 0.2 mi. W park entrance; Janine Robin (ph).

Photo by Janine Robin

One (2015-046) on 12 June 2015, Cameron: Johnsons Bayou, Peveto Woods Sanctuary; Matthew T. Pontiff (ph).

Photo by Matthew T. Pontiff

One (2015-025) on 5 April 2015, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract; Erik Enbody (ph).

Photo by Erik Enbody

One (2015-027) on 11-19 April 2015, Cameron: Johnsons Bayou, Peveto Woods Sanctuary; Dave Patton (ph), Paul E. Conover (ph), Tom Finnie (ph), and Dan O�Malley (ph).

Photo by Tom Finnie

One male (2015-085) on 14 July 2015, Iberville: 3.7 mi. N St. Gabriel, 545 Pecan Dr.; J. V. Remsen (LSUMZ uncat.) and Donna L. Dittmann (DLD 10865).

Photo by J. V. Remsen

One (2017-103) on 22 April 2017, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Grilleta Tract; Casey E. Wright (ph, banded). See also: https://ebird.org/checklist/S101275991.

One male (2017-018) on 25 April 2017, Jefferson: entrance road to Elmer's Island WMA; Robert C. Dobbs (ph).

Photo by Robert C. Dobbs

One (2017-023) on 30 April 2017, Cameron: "Lighthouse Woods" at the end of Lighthouse Rd. along the east side of Sabine Pass, N29.71815�, W93.84886�; Cameron Rutt (ph).

Photo by Cameron Rutt

One (2018-037) on 29 April 2018, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Grand Isle State Park; Casey Wright (ph). Reportedly seen previously by Cathy DiSalvo, Joan Garvey, and Mark Meunier on 27 April 2018.

Photo by Casey Wright

One heard only (2018-038) on 10 June 2018, Lafayette: Lafayette, 102 Goodwood Circle, 2.4 km N of Milton; Erik I Johnson (audio).

One (2019-074) on 26 April 2019, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Exxon Fields; Joan Garvey (ph; https://ebird.org/ checklist/S55449730). Additional photographs of this bird are on various other eBird lists. This record went to a Discussion Vote as there were concerns that in some photos this individual showed only very faint whiskers and a relatively small bill, possibly suggesting hybrid with Red-eyed Vireo. Ultimately, however, all Members accepted as Black-whiskered.

Photo by Joan Garvey

One (2020-027) on 26 April 2020, Iberia: about 2 1/2 mi. SE Lydia, N29.889092o, W91.764267o; Matt Conn (ph).

Photo by Matt Conn

One (2020-031) on 30 May 2020, Jefferson: Grand Isle State Park; Kathy Rhodes (ph). Seen by many observers and reportedly present and photo-documented in eBird from 25 May https://eBird.org/checklist/S69674341 to 12 July 2020 https://eBird.org/checklist/S71411072.

Photo by Kathy Rhodes

Two, presumably a breeding pair (2021-055) on 13 June to at least 29 July 2021, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Grand Isle State Park; William Matthews (ph, audio) and David Booth. Extensively photo/audio-documented in eBird from 17 Jun ( https:// ebird.org/checklist/S90845234 ) to 29 July ( https://ebird.org/checklist/S92483050 ).

One male (2022-015) on 9 April 2022, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Landry-LeBlanc Tract, N29.23510, W89.99316; Erik I. Johnson (ph). Reportedly found previous day by Mark Meunier or possibly as early as 31 March 2022 by Dan Mooney (ph from Facebook post included in this report).

Photo by Erik I. Johnson

One to two (2022-022) on 26 April-1 May 2022, Cameron: Willow Island; Paul E. Conover (ph) and Robert C. Dobbs (ph). Two eBird checklists with photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S107985139; https://ebird.org/checklist/S107980204.

Photo by Paul E. Conover

Unaccepted Records

One (2000-41) on 4 and 6 Sep 2000, Orleans: New Orleans. The observer reports a large diffuse brownish malar stripe on a bird reported otherwise as more or less identical to a Red-eyed Vireo. The malar stripe reported is inconsistent with this species based on series of LSUMNS specimens, including a couple of juveniles, examined by Committee members. Additional characters that could have supported an identification as Black-whiskered Vireo were, unfortunately, not apparent during the brief views of the bird. Nevertheless, some members were still convinced of the correctness of the identification, but the record ultimately failed by a 3-4 vote.

One (1990-017) on 4 May 1990, Cameron: Hackberry Ridge, 2 mi. WSW Johnsons Bayou School. Although almost certainly this species, the report lacked a description and Members had no choice but to consider the report unacceptable.

One (2011-151) on 13 April 2011, Cameron: Willow Island, approximately 5 mi. E Cameron. This record received a mixed vote following the third circulation, a majority ultimately deciding that the observer focused solely on a black whisker to identify this individual. Although dark whiskers are the definitive field character, creases along the feather tracts of the throat can create the illusion of a dark whisker. Photo records of birds believed to possess �black whiskers� (and identified as Black-whiskered Vireos) have turned out to be Red-eyeds upon closer inspection, with apparent dark whiskers simply an artifact of lighting or the bird�s posture. Members voting to not accept also pointed to the observer�s description of a bold whitish supercilium, a character that better supports Red-eyed Vireo.

One (2012-131) on 15 April 2012, Jefferson: Grand Isle, TNC Reserve. Most Members did not believe that the very rudimentary description adequately supported identification of this species.

One (2014-111) on 11 April 2014, Orleans: New Orleans, City Park, Couturie Arboretum (ph). The initial inthe- field identification was Red-eyed Vireo. However, after reviewing the photos, the observer believed that the bird possessed a black whisker mark. The photos did suggest the presence of a black whisker mark, but most Members believed that this could be an artifact of how the throat feathers were arranged. Other characters visible in the photographs (bill proportions, head pattern) seemed more consistent with Red-eyed Vireo.

One (2017-046) on 9 October 2017, Orleans: New Orleans, City Park, Couturie Forest (ph). Identified from a single photograph after-the-fact, the photo was suggestive but most Members agreed that a Red-eyed Vireo with a �part� or missing feathers (mimicking a dark malar) could not be eliminated. Other characters of the head pattern also seemed to better fit Red-eyed Vireo. All Members agreed that a more extensive series of photos would have been required to support an inland Black-whiskered Vireo in October.

One (1998-033) on 19 April 1998, Plaquemines: Pass-a-loutre WMA, near mouth of SE Pass Mississippi River. Observer was unfamiliar with this species and the identification was based on the whisker mark. Other characters that would have been useful to separate Red-eyed Vireo were not described, so all Members believed Red-eyed Vireo was not satisfactorily eliminated.