by Jacob Crider

Yellow-throated Vireos (Vireo flavifrons) are a neo-tropical migratory bird that visits Kentucky during the Summer and Spring. Their wintering range extends from Central America, the Caribbean, and down to South America where they take refuge in tropical rainforests.

Here in the Eastern U.S they prefer mature deciduous forests, usually near creeks and streams. They are primarily insectivorous and can be seen eating caterpillars, moths, butterflies, and a variety of other insects. They are a vibrant and colorful, sporting a beautiful yellow head and gray and white wing bars. These birds have a four part nasally call that can be heard echoing through the forest. Like most Vireos, they are more often heard than seen due to their habit of singing and nesting high up within the canopy.

At CMNP, Yellow-throated Vireos are only spotted down in our mature forested areas, near hidden springs, the waterfall, and sinkhole rim. In these areas, they prefer White oaks, Chinkapin Oaks, Swamp White Oaks, Sycamores, Bitternut Hickory, and Tulip Poplar.