A drab, gray bird of the arid Southwest. Adult is pale gray overall, with dark gray wings, a thin wing bar, relatively long tail, softly rounded head, faint eye ring, pale lores and throat, and blunt, gray bill. Sexes are similar. Compare especially Bell's and Plumbeous Vireos, which both have more well-defined head patterns.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 20 (cm)

Voice:

Series of whistled, burry notes, with long pauses between phrases. Calls include rough scolding and short whistles.

Habitat:

Arid landscapes, junipers, mountain hillsides, chaparral, scrubby areas, dry forests, edges.

Behavior:

Unlike other vireos, it twitches its tail like a gnatcatcher when active. Occupies low levels of canopy. Nest is a finely woven cup of vegetation, suspended from a forked tree or shrub branch, typically around eye level.

Feeding:

Forages by gleaning low foliage and on ground; eats insects, caterpillars, and other small prey.