also the movements of the kinglet are nervous, energetic,
warbleresque...while the vireo moves slowly, deliberately and rarely
flutters in the air
On Sun, Feb 7, 2016 at 9:52 AM, Deb Holland <
deborah.holland@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
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 <carrotguy55@xxxxxxxxx>
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
