Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder for May 2: White-eyed Vireo

White-eyed Vireo
Vireo griseus

Written by Milan Bull, Senior Director of Science and Conservation

Where to find it: A White-eyed Vireo has been seen for the past few days at Mondo Pond in Milford. To look for this bird, take the Plains Road exit off I-95 in Milford and turn left on Plains Road. Take your second left on Naugatuck Avenue and the Mondo parking area is on the left after Audubon Close.

How to find it: Check the rocky spit directly south of the lot through the pines, as well as the brushy area 30 yards to right of lot on the north side of the trail 100 yards down trail. The bird has seen foraging through the understory shrubs.

What it looks like: The White-eyed Vireo is a small, secretive, stocky songbird about five inches long. Unlike warblers, this vireo often perches motionless for a few moments before resuming foraging through the brush where it moves along deliberately with short hops and pauses looking for insects. Drab olive above with yellow flanks, and a grey head and underparts, this bird is characterized by yellow “spectacles” and white wing bars.

What if the bird isn’t there? Mondo Pond is a haven for migrants as well as waterbirds. A Yellow-throated Warbler and Green Heron have been reported there within the week as well as Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder is edited by Tom Andersen.