Hi,
I agree that Hutton's Vireo can be quite a challenge as it so closely
resembles a Ruby Crowned Kinglet. The Ruby Crowned Kinglet usually
gives itself away with it's scolding chatter...a sound that makes me
think that it's annoyed and irritated. It's really useful to know the
songs and calls of these two tiny birds.
David Irons put together an excellent comparison of the two birds back
in 2014. His discussion of the wingbars leads to an easy visual
fieldmark.
http://www.birdfellow.com/journal/2013/08/29/birding_101_the_hutton_s_vireo_vs_ruby_crowned_kinglet_challenge
Deb Holland
Newport
On Sun, 7 Feb 2016 07:55:25 -0800, roger freeman wrote:
Hutton's Vireo can be a bit of a challenge bird. Unless they
are vocal, a glimpse here or there in dense fir trees leaves one often
assuming Ruby-crowned Kinglet, especially if Golden-crowned Kinglets
are in the vicinity. But when the Hutton's Vireo breaks out in
melodious and symphonic song ... (NOT!) ... it gives itself away. In
reality, the song is rather bland.
In my yard today, I enjoyed a few glimpses of an active Hutton's Vireo,
frequently calling out its simple repeated 1-2 syllable noted song.
As it moved around, It generously provided much of its repertoire of
simple and monotonous variations of single notes. I think the
Hutton's Vireo has one of the more modest and simple songs of our local
forest passerines. Recognizable yes, but not something to gush over.
So listen for the familiar repeated ... Chweet ... or Chee-up ...in
your local woodlands, as the Hutton's Vireo is already thinking about
spring.
Roger Freeman
Silverton Hills
