Least Bell’s Vireo

Vireo bellii pusillus

This western-most subspecies of the Bell’s Vireo has been listed as Endangered in California since 1980, and federally since 1986. Its drab coloring makes it hard to see, especially since it spends most of its time hiding in dense vegetation. But it has a distinctive, chatty song that ends once on an up-note and then on a down-note, sounding a bit like it’s berating someone with scolding questions.

Fun Fact:
Ornithologists have seen this endangered bird nesting in the reserve.

What’s for Lunch:
Moths, caterpillars and sometimes small berries

Where’s Home:
Riparian areas in the reserve in summer; Mexico and Central America in winter