Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius), Morgan City Wash, Maricopa County

This Blue-headed Vireo was photographed by Troy Corman on 28 April 2012

Few accepted records for Arizona, potentially first record for Maricopa Co.

Can be very difficult to separate from bright Cassin's Vireos, particularly in the fall which are much more expected in AZ. Members of this vireo complex molt on the breeding grounds, so are brightest in the fall and early winter. Therefore, Cassin's Vireos in the spring are often in somewhat worn plumage, so an individual this bright showing so much contrast with the bright white eye ring and throat, plus generous amounts of of greenish yellow on the sides of the breast, flanks and undertail covert increases the likelihood of this being a good Blue-headed Vireo. The sharp contrast between the dark blue-gray cheek and bright white throat is a good characteristic to try to photo document.

28 April 2012, photo by Troy Corman

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