Verderón de San Andrés
San Andres Vireo
Vireo caribaeus
Song
San Andres Vireo
Appearance: The San Andres Vireo is a small songbird with a compact body and a thick bill. It has olive-green upperparts and lighter, often yellowish, underparts. Its wings may have faint wing bars, and it features a white or pale supercilium (eyebrow line) which is characteristic of many vireo species.
Habitat: This vireo inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests and shrublands. It is often found in secondary growth and edge habitats, which are areas where forest meets open land. Being endemic to San Andrés, its habitat is restricted to this small island, which influences its ecological interactions and adaptations.
Behavior: The San Andres Vireo feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, which it gleans from foliage. It may also consume some plant material, such as berries. It is known for its vocalizations, often singing a series of repetitive and melodious phrases.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of this species is not extensively documented, but, like other vireos, it likely builds a cup-shaped nest suspended from a forked branch. Breeding involves the laying of a few eggs, which both parents help to incubate and care for once hatched.
Conservation status: The San Andres Vireo is considered Vulnerable due to its restricted range and the pressures on its habitat from human development, such as deforestation and urbanization on the island.
Distribution
Endemic Range: The San Andres Vireo is endemic to San Andrés Island, which is part of Colombia despite being geographically closer to Nicaragua. Its distribution is limited to this island, making it susceptible to environmental changes and habitat loss.
Taxonomy
The San Andres Vireo (Vireo caribaeus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Vireonidae
- Genus: Vireo
- Species: Vireo caribaeus
Vocalization
The San Andres Vireo is a small bird known for its distinctive vocalizations, which are an important aspect of its behavior breeding season. The song is a series of short, repetitive phrases or notes. These vocalizations are used for communication between individuals, territory defense, and attracting mates.
The song can be described as a series of clear, whistled notes that may vary in pitch and rhythm.
The San Andres Vireo's song is persistent and can be heard throughout the day. Each male has its own variation of the song, which helps in individual identification and territory establishment.
