What this species lacks in field marks, it makes up for in boisterous singing. The upperparts are light gray with an olive cast. The face is quite plain, as the whitish supercilium lacks sharp borders and the gray line behind the eye is very indistinct. The lores are pale, unlike the similar Philadelphia Vireo. The underparts are plain whitish, with a yellow wash to the sides and undertail coverts, more obvious in basic plumage. Juveniles resemble adults, but may have a more brownish cast to the upperparts and be more yellow below. The eastern subspecies is brighter in color and longer-billed than the western.

Length: 12 (cm) Wingspan: 22 (cm)

Voice:

The song is a long, run-on warble, usually ending on an emphasized higher note. The song of western birds is a little higher and not as smooth. The call is a nasal meew.

Habitat:

Mature deciduous woodlands, especially riparian areas. Also forest edge, parks.

Behavior:

Often remains high in the canopy and sings while sitting on the nest. Western birds are molt-migrants, completing their prebasic molt after departing nesting areas, while the eastern population molts before leaving the breeding grounds.

Feeding:

Gleans insects from vegetation. Takes some fruit in winter.