ML457392081

Observation details

Bird was high in a tree, immobile, singing repeatedly. Could not see the bird. It sung only 5 distinct 2-syllable phrase types during a total of 14 minutes, during which I recorded a total of 293 sung phrases. Phrase types were sung in no particular order, except no single phrase type was ever repeated immediately after it was sung. Red-eyed Vireos have a repertoire of between 25 and 500 distinct phrases, depending on the individual bird. Over a 10-yr period I have never come across a REVI with so few phrase types. See recording added below. Song was similar rhythm (about one phrase sung every 2.5-3 sec) and similar total number of distinct phrase types (6) as XC70103, a Philadelphia Vireo recorded by David Lane in Gaspesie, Quebec over a period of 84 sec. Note also that a Red-eyed Vireo was singing nearby, about 15 m away, and neither bird showed any agitation or aggressive behavior towards the other bird while both were singing. Red-eyed vireos are known to protect their territories by duel-singing, fighting, flying high above treetops, chasing, chattering. These birds simply ignored each other.