Family: Vireonidae, Vireos view all from this family

Description ADULT Has blue-gray upperparts, darkest on back. Dark eye is accentuated by faint pale eyering. Wings have faint pale margins to flight feathers and one faint pale wing bar. Tail is rather long and underparts are whitish, palest on throat and flanks. JUVENILE Similar to adult.

Dimensions Length: 5-5 3/4" (13-15 cm)

Habitat Common summer visitor (mostly May-Aug) to arid scrub and chaparral. Winters mainly in Mexico.

Observation Tips Listen for the distinctive song.

Range Southwest, California, Rocky Mountains, Texas

Voice Song is a repeated tche'Woo; call is a rasping chrrr.

Discussion Unremarkable plumage (as vireos go), but absence of striking features is in itself a means of identification. Habits are unobtrusive; best detected by song. Flicks tail from side-to-side like a gnatcatcher. Sexes are similar.