Habits. This species is one of comparatively recent origin, and of its history but little is as yet known. It was first described by Cassin, in 1851, from a specimen obtained in Monterey, Cal. It has been found in various parts of California, in the valley of the Gila, and in the northern and eastern portions of Mexico. Mr. Sumichrast gives it as a resident of the alpine region of the Department of Vera Cruz.
Dr. Cooper has observed this bird near San Diego, late in February, where he at first mistook it for the Ruby-crowned Wren, a bird that winters there in abundance, and which he states resembles this species closely in appearance and habits. Two of them came to within a few feet of where he sat, scolding in a harsh tone. He recognized then their larger size and different plumage, as well as their remarkably large eyes, and a peculiar slowness and deliberation in their movements as they searched the foliage for insects.
Dr. Cooper has since found them wintering plentifully up to latitude 38°. Having observed but few of them in the Coast Range, in May, he thinks that most of them go farther north in summer. At San Diego, however, he shot a female, on the 9th of March, containing an egg nearly ready to be laid. He had not been able to find the nest, which is presumed to be built in the dense shade of the evergreen oaks (Quercus agrifolia). Their song is said to consist of a few short and quaint notes. Among the memoranda of Mr. Xantus, made at Fort Tejon, I find the following: (No. 1,827.) Nest and
eggs of Vireo huttoni, found May 8, one foot from the ground, under high trees, suspended from three high stems of weeds, fastened to them, but very loosely put together. The eggs had been incubated. He furnished no further description of nest or eggs.
Vireo belli, Aud.
BELL’S VIREO.
Vireo belli, Aud. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 333, pl. cccclxxxv (Missouri River).—Cassin, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. 1851, 150.—Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 337; Rev. 358.—Sclater, Catal. 1861, 42, No. 258.—Bon. Consp. 1850, 330.—Cooper, Orn. Cal. 1, 1870, 123.
Vireo belli.
1926
Sp. Char. (No. 1,926.) Above olive-green, brightest on the rump; tinged anteriorly with ashy; the top and sides of head ashy, in faint contrast. A line from nostrils to eye (scarcely beyond it), and eyelids very pale yellowish-white; lores dusky. Under parts, including inner wing-coverts, and edge of wing, creamy-white; the sides, axillars, and crissum pale yellow (sides of lower neck and of breast glossed with olivaceous, faintest on the longer feathers of the latter). Two rather narrow bands on the wing-coverts, and the outer edges of innermost secondaries white; the other quills edged with faded olivaceous. Inner edges of quills whitish. Tail-feathers brown, edged externally with olive; internally fading into paler brown. Median portion of rump feathers concealed with pale yellowish. Bill horn-color above, pale below. Legs plumbeous. “Iris brown.”