THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard

GoTo Page Nine
Begin Page Ten
Family Tyrannidae

Olive-sided Flycatcher -- Contopus cooperi
An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, at least west to Lancaster County. Farther west the species is less common, but it probably migrates statewide. It breeds in northern Minnesota, and migrates throughout the Plains States region.

Migration: Sixty-eight initial spring sightings range from April 3 to June 4, with a median of May 18. Half of the records fall within the period May 10-26. Sixteen final spring sightings are from May 10 to June 8, with a median of May 24. Thirteen initial fall sightings are from August 24 to September 9, with a median of September 2. Twelve final fall sightings are from September 1 to September 29, with a median of September 20.

Habitats: Migrants are found in wooded areas in which there are trees having prominent dead upper branches, and sometimes also perch on telephone wires in open country.

Comments: This flycatcher is rather easily identified by its olive-gray flanks, which remind one of an unbuttoned vest. Its song is an easily remembered "Quick, three beers" or "Look, three deer." The birds somewhat resemble oversized wood-pewees, and are only slightly smaller than kingbirds. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Western Wood-pewee -- Contopus cordidulus
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in western and northwestern Nebraska; the breeding range including Sioux, Dawes, and Scotts Bluff counties, and probably extending east at least to Garden County. Hybridization with virens possibly occurs in the Niobrara valley west of Valentine, but the range limits of these two species are quite uncertain. It also breeds in the western portions of the Dakotas, in eastern Colorado, and adjacent parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Migration: Sixty-four initial spring sightings range from March 20 to June 10, with a median of May 21. Half of the records fall within the period May 13-26. Thirty-three final fall sightings are from July 8 to October 9, with a median of September 4. Half of the records fall within the period August 22-September 12.

Habitats: In the Black Hills, and probably in the Pine Ridge area, this species is mostly associated with open, mature pine forests. Generally the birds use habitats dominated by conifers, but also use mixed woodlands, and generally occupy drier areas than do eastern wood-pewees.

Comments: Although the two wood-pewees differ in the color of their lower mandibles, and slightly darker plumage it is probably easier to recognize this species by its more raspy "pee-err" vocalization. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Eastern Wood-pewee -- Contopus virens
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in eastern Nebraska, extending west locally at least as far as Dawes, Cherry, Deuel and Dundy counties along river systems. The Sandhills are apparently not a part of the breeding range. It breeds widely through the eastern portions of the Plains States, and occurs almost throughout as a migrant.

Migration: Seventy-seven initial spring sightings range from March 20 to June 10, with a median of May 10. Half of the records fall within the period May 3-21. Sixty-one final fall sightings are from July 29 to October 12, with a median of September 10. Half of the records fall within the period August 31-September 18.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species is generally associated with deciduous forests, including floodplain and river-bluff forests, but also occurs in woodlots, orchards and suburban areas with tree plantings.

Comments: Over most of Nebraska the wood-pewees seen are most likely to be the eastern species, whose song is a distinctive "pee-a-wee". However, in the Panhandle and western Niobrara Valley one should be on the alert for possible western wood-pewees. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Yellow-bellied Flycatcher -- Empidonax flaviventris
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, rarely occurring as far west as Cherry County. There were probable nestings of this species in Sarpy County and Lancaster County in 1978, which represent extremely unusual extralimital nesting records (Nebraska Bird Review 46:86). It also regularly migrates through the eastern portions of the other Plains States.

Migration: Twenty-six total spring sightings range from April 16 to June 7, with a median of May 16. Half of the records fall within the period May 10-20. Fifteen total fall sightings range from August 8 to October 5, with a median of September 4. Half of the records fall within the period September 1-14.

Habitats: Associated with second-growth woodlands while on migration, and normally limited to alder and willow thickets in boreal forest during the breeding season.

Comments: This eastern species of Empidonax is distinctly yellowish below, and its song is a "che-lek" that is more liquid-sounding than the least flycatcher's distinctly enunciated "che-bek." Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Acadian Flycatcher -- Empidonax virescens
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, and a probable summer resident in the forested valley of the Missouri River (Nebraska Bird Review 62:11; 63:77). It also breeds in western Iowa and southward through eastern Kansas and Oklahoma.

Migration: Fifty-five initial spring sightings range from April 17 to June 9, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 8-21. Fourteen final fall sightings range from July 28 to October 1, with a median of August 28.

Habitats: During the summer, this species is found in shady and humid riverbottom forests, forested swamps, and wooded uplands.

Comments: One of the many difficult empidonaces (the generic name means "king of the flies"), this species is rather greenish-toned and has a sharp "peet-sa" song,


Alder Flycatcher -- Empidonax alnorum
Apparently a regular but rare migrant in Nebraska, at least in spring. The small proportion of sightings attributed to this species since it was separated from traillii suggest that it must be quite infrequent by comparison. However, it has been reported to possibly breed in southeastern South Dakota, so should be looked for in Nebraska. It probably is a regular migrant through the eastern portions of all the Plains States.

Migration: Eight initial spring sightings attributed to this species range from May 8 to May 29, with a mean of May 21. Six final spring sightings are from May 24 to June 18, with a mean of June 7. Six fall sightings range from July 20 to September 16, with a mean of August 19.

Habitats: Migrants probably use the same habitats as does the willow flycatcher, namely shrubbery and small trees near opening of grassland or water. While breeding it generally occupies the more northerly and easterly forested areas, compared with the more open and arid habitats of the willow flycatcher.
Comments, This little flycatcher is seemingly too rare in Nebraska to say much about it, but its song (probably mainly sung on its breeding grounds) is a buzzy "fee-be-o" with the second syllable accented.


Willow Flycatcher -- Empidonax traillii
A common spring and fall migrant and uncommon to rare summer resident in eastern Nebraska. Breeding extends west at least to Cherry, Thomas and Keith counties in the Sandhills, and to Sheridan County in the Panhandle. It also breeds in the other Plains States from North Dakota and Minnesota south to eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma.

Migration: Seventy-eight initial spring sightings range from April 17 to June 10, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 9-25. Sixteen final fall sightings range from July 26 to September 21, with a median of September 2. Half of the records fall within the period August 29-September 7.

Habitats: In Nebraska this species inhabits edge habitats such as thickets or groves of small trees and shrubs surrounded by grasslands, and the edges of gallery forests along rivers.

Comments: Probably this is the most common and widespread of Nebraska's empidonaces, although in appearance it is extremely similar to the last-named species. Its song is a sneeze-like "fitz-bew," of only two syllables.


Least Flycatcher -- Empidonax minimus
A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and apparently an extremely rare summer resident. Besides some early reports of breeding in Douglas and Dakota Counties, territorial birds have also been reported in Brown and Dawes Counties. Thus northern and northeastern Nebraska apparently constitute part of the breeding range.

Migration: The range of 100 initial spring sightings is from April 7 to June 9, with a median of May 8. Half of the records fall within the period May 3-11. Sixteen final spring sightings are from May 3, to June 3, with a median of May 14. Twenty-four fall sightings range from July 29 to October 1, with a median of September 5. Half of the records fall within the period August 30-September 12.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species occupies floodplain forests in grassland areas, scattered grovelands, shelterbelts, and urban parks or gardens.

Comments: This is the smallest of the empidonaces, but in the field this difference is not apparent. The species' distinctive "che-bek" song is mainly limited to the breeding grounds. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Hammond's Flycatcher -- Empidonax hammondii
Accidental. A specimen identified as this species was collected in Dawes County in 1911. Also observed and photographed in Adams County on September 2, 1995 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:135).


(Dusky Flycatcher) -- Empidonax oberholseri
Hypothetical, with a single questionable sight record for Kimball County (Nebraska Bird Review 64:34). It an uncommon breeder in the Black Hills, and should migrate through Nebraska.


Cordilleran Flycatcher -- Empidonax occidentalis
An extremely rare migrant and a very rare summer resident in Nebraska, with only a single definite nesting area, in Sioux County (Nebraska Bird Review 43:18) where breeding occurs in Sowbelly Canyon, and more recently in nearby Monroe Canyon. Birds have also been observed in Scotts Bluff, Garden, and McPherson counties, but the species is probably more common on migration than these few records suggest. Nests commonly in the Black Hills.

Habitats: While breeding this species is associated with forested canyons and mountain slopes, but on migration it may occur in deciduous trees along streambeds, in oak-lined gullies, and other wooded habitats.

Comments: This species has perhaps the most localized breeding range of any of Nebraska's birds, being apparently limited to two small canyons in northwestern Nebraska. It used to be called the "western flycatcher," but recently was "split" into a Pacific coastal form and this interior-dwelling species.


Eastern Phoebe -- Sayornis phoebe
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in woodlands of eastern Nebraska, and extending west locally to Sioux, Brown, Lincoln, Garden, and Dundee counties in the major river valleys. It also breeds throughout the eastern portions of the other Plains States, west to eastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico.

Migration: The range of 169 initial spring sightings is from March 20 to June 10, with a median of April 16. Half of the records fall within the period March 28-April 29. Sixty-seven final fall sightings range from August 4 to October 25, with a median of September 26. Half of the records fall within the period September 5-October 6.

Habitats: During summer, this species is usually found near water in woodlands or partially wooded areas, including farmsteads. Farm buildings, bridges, and other locations providing artificial or natural ledges protected from above are used for nest sites.

Comments: Eastern phoebes are the earliest of the flycatchers to arrive in eastern Nebraska, where they soon take up residence under bridges and in farm outbuildings. They typically return to the same nest site each year. One site on a window sill of the author's lake cabin was used every year for five years, even though it had to be temporarily moved one summer to allow for repainting of the sills. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Say's Phoebe -- Sayornis saya
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in western Nebraska, extending east locally to at least Cuming, York and Clay Counties. Vagrants may be seen all the way to the Missouri River. It also breeds throughout the western portions of the other Plains States, from North Dakota to Texas.

Migration: The range of 129 initial spring sightings is from March 20 to June 10, with a median of April 16. Half of the records fall within the period April 5-24. Fifty-two final fall sightings range from July 29 to October 29, with a median of September 14. Half of the records fall within the period September 8-20.

Habitats: In Nebraska this species is found in fairly open and dry habitats, including rocky canyons, badlands, and ranchlands. The species is independent of surface water, but in common with the eastern phoebe, it often nests under bridges or on the horizontal ledges of other manmade structures.

Comments: In Keith County near Cedar Point Biological Station both the eastern and Say's phoebes occur, but they do not appear to interact, and rarely nest in the same immediate area.


Vermilion Flycatcher -- Pyrocephalus rubinus
An accidental vagrant in Nebraska, with a sight record for Douglas County in November 1954, a specimen from Lincoln County in December of 1954, and a carcass probably of this species found in Lincoln County in November of 1960 (Nebraska Bird Review 23:28; 29:23). Observed and photographed in Lancaster County on May 16, 1995 (Nebraska Bird Review 64 :135). There was also a recent sight record for Lincoln County in May of 1976 (American Birds 30:861). There are three South Dakota records, four for Kansas, and the species is a rare summer resident in Oklahoma.

Habitats: During the summer this species is usually found in trees or shrubs along roadsides, or in open forested riverbottoms.

Comments: This amazingly bright-plumaged species is a distinct change from the many dull-plumaged flycatchers, and one can only wonder what sorts of selective pressures drove the species to evolving such a brilliant male plumage. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


(Ash-throated Flycatcher) -- Myiarchus cinerascens
Hypothetical, with a single questionable 1957 sight record for western Nebraska (Bray et al., l988). This is a southwestern species to be looked for in the western counties,


Great Crested Flycatcher -- Myiarchus crinitus
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in eastern Nebraska, mainly along the larger river valleys, but extending west locally to Sioux County in the north, Keith and Deuel counties along the North Platte and South Platte, and Dundy County in the Republican Valley. It also breeds throughout the eastern portions of the other Plains States.

Migration: The range of 130 initial spring sightings is from March 30 to June 9, with a median of April 30. Half of the records fall within the period May 2-15. Sixty-six final fall sightings are from July 22 to October 3, with a median of September 6. Half of the records fall within the period August 30-September 12.

Habitats: During the breeding season this species occurs in rather extensive hardwood forests, including riverbottom forests, and especially those with fairly open canopies. Unlike most flycatchers, nesting is in cavities such as woodpecker holes.

Comments: This eastern deciduous forest species is notable for its rufous wing and tail markings, and its loud "wheep" calls. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Cassin's Kingbird -- Tyrannus vociferans
A spring and fall migrant and regular summer resident of the western Panhandle, ranging from rare to uncommon. The species breeds locally in Nebraska (Nebraska Bird Review 62:110), at least in the southwestern Panhandle, and it is also found from about Crawford westward in the northern Panhandle. It also breeds in eastern Colorado and southwestern South Dakota.

Migration: Eight initial spring sightings range from April 27 to May 30, with a mean of May 2. Twelve last fall sightings range from August 22 to September 28, with a median of September 17.

Habitats: To a greater degree than the western kingbird this species is associated with dry, open country such as plains and semideserts, with only scattered tall trees. However, it overlaps widely with this species, and probably competes locally with it.

Comments: Few breeding records have been obtained in Nebraska for this western kingbird look-alike. Courtship and apparent nest construction were observed June 4, 1997 by Robert Richter, just east of Fort Robinson State Park. This species has a somewhat darker chest and lacks the white outer tail feather markings of the western, as well as having a more conspicuous dark ear-patch. Its usual call is a loud "chi-bek." The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Western Kingbird -- Tyrannus verticalis
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident almost statewide, becoming less common eastwardly. Approximately equally common with the eastern kingbird in much of western Nebraska. It is a breeder and migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: The range of 117 initial spring sightings is from April 30 to May 26, with a median of May 5. Half of the records fall within the period May 1-10. The range of 125 final fall sightings is from July 26 to October 10, with a median of September 3. Half of the records fall within the period August 24-September 10.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species seems to occupy the same habitats as does the eastern kingbird, including a variety of edge habitats such as shelterbelts, orchards, woodland margins, and tree-lined residential districts.

Comments: In western Nebraska around Cedar Point Biological Station these noisy birds nest almost anywhere medium-to-tall trees occur near open foraging areas. There they often outnumber eastern kingbirds, and seem to be adapted to somewhat drier habitats. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Eastern Kingbird -- Tyrannus tyrannus
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide, generally considerably more common that the western kingbird in eastern Nebraska, becoming relatively less common westwardly. It is a breeder and migrant throughout the entire Plains States region.

Migration: Seventy-three initial spring sightings range from March 24 to May 29, with a median of May 3. Half of the records fall within the period May 1-7. The range of 126 final fall sightings is from August 4 to October 14, with a median of September 9. Half of the records fall within the period September 1-16.

Habitats: While in Nebraska this species occupies open areas having scattered trees or tall shrubs, and forest edges or hedgerows. It frequently occurs in cities, foraging out over streets or intersections, and perching on favored vantage points such as street lights or telephone lines.

Comments: The kingbirds are named for their rather imperial behavior, and the generic name Tyrannus is a further indication of their tyrannical nature. The birds also have hidden golden to reddish crown patches, although these are exposed only rarely. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.


Scissor-tailed Flycatcher -- Tyrannus forficatus
A rare spring and fall migrant and summer resident in extreme southern Nebraska, with definite breeding records from Adams, Lancaster, Logan, Gage and Clay counties. It is a regular breeder from Kansas and extreme southeastern Colorado southward. Vagrants have been seen elsewhere in the state, and rarely have been seen in South Dakota as well. It is a regular breeder from Kansas southward, and is casual in South Dakota.

Migration: Seventeen initial spring sightings range from April 19 to June 10, with a median of May 2. Half of the records fall within the period April 29 to May 3. Eight final fall sightings are from July 23 to October 5, with a mean of September 14.

Habitats: During the summer this species is found in open to semiopen habitats with a scattering of trees or other elevated perching sites, and in woodlands with edges or openings for foraging. Nesting usually is in isolated trees or tall structures such as utility poles or windmills rather than in groves or heavy cover.

Comments: Although this beautiful species is fairly common in southern Kansas, it only occasionally reaches Nebraska. However, its Kansas range is slowly advancing northward, so perhaps in the future it will become a regular breeder in southern Nebraska. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually.



Family Laniidae

Northern Shrike -- Lanius excubitor
An uncommon to locally common winter resident statewide, but perhaps more common in the western areas than in the east. It also occurs throughout the other Plains States as a migrant or winter visitor.

Migration: The range of 44 initial fall sightings is from August 28 to December 26, with a median of November 9. Half of the records fall within the period October 23-November 28. Twenty-four final spring sightings range from January 7 to April 24, with a median of March 11. Half of the records fall within the period February 23-March 25.

Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds are found on open plains or prairies having scattered trees or telephone posts for perches.

Comments: The larger size, somewhat barred breast, and more contrasting black ear-stripe all help to identify this species, and it rarely overlaps in seasonal occurrence with the loggerhead shrike. Both are surprisingly effective predators, sometimes killing birds as large as warblers and sparrows.


Loggerhead Shrike -- Lanius ludovicianus
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. A few birds overwinter in some years, but apparently the population is essentially migratory. Breeding occurs throughout the Plains States in suitable habitats.

Migration: The range of 95 initial spring sightings is from January 2 to May 28, with a median of April 4. Half of the records fall within the period March 17-April 21. Ninety-eight final fall sightings are from July 26 to December 30, with a median of September 19. Half of the records fall within the period August 26-October 1.

Habitats: Outside the breeding season these birds occupy the same open country that northern shrikes utilize, and during the nesting period they are also associated with open habitat with scattered or clustered shrubs or small trees.

Comments: The Nebraska Sandhills seem to represent perfect habitat for these birds; scattered Russian olive trees are favorite nesting sites, and the open country provides for excellent viewing of the surroundings. Shrikes are often called "butcher birds," as they frequently impale their prey on barbed wire or the thorns of trees to store them temporarily. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.



Family Vireonidae

White-eyed Vireo -- Vireo griseus
An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, and a local summer resident in the lower part of the Missouri's forested valley, with a northern limit at least as far as Sarpy County. Reported west to Keith and Sioux counties. Breeding also occurs from eastern Kansas south through eastern Oklahoma to Texas. Casual in South Dakota.

Migration: Forty-four initial spring sightings range from April 19 to June 5, with a median of May 10. Half of the records fall within the period May 3-15. Fourteen final fall sightings are from August 2 to September 22, with a median of September 6.

Habitats: During the breeding season this species occupies the dense understory of wooded bottomlands, and thickets near streams.

Comments: White-eyed vireos are well named; they are the only native vireos with pale white eyes, which are exaggerated by a white eye-ring. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Bell's Vireo -- Vireo belli
A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in eastern Nebraska, becoming rarer westwardly, and breeding locally to Dawes County in the Pine Ridge, Cherry County in the Niobrara Valley, Garden County in the North Platte River Valley, and the Colorado border in the valleys of the South Platte and Republican rivers. Breeding also occurs north to western North Dakota and south to Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle.

Migration: The range of 114 initial spring sightings is from March 30 to June 10, with a median of May 13. Half of the records fall within the period May 6-20. Sixty-four final fall sightings range from July 24 to October 20, with a median of September 8. Half of the records fall within the period August 25 to September 17.

Habitats: In Nebraska this prairie-adapted vireo is widespread in thickets near streams or rivers, and in second-growth scrub, forest edges, and brush patches.

Comments: Like many vireos, this species is more easily heard than seen; it often sings from heavy brush near ground. I tell my students that its song can be transliterated as, "You expect to get an A in ornithology? Well I think you'll only get an F." They generally remember the bird thereafter. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.


Black-capped Vireo -- Vireo atricapilla
Extirpated. There are two definite early records; a sight record for Sarpy County in 1894, and a specimen from Sarpy County in 1921. Oklahoma is the nearest area of current breeding.


Blue-headed (Solitary)Vireo -- Vireo solitarius
An uncommon spring and fall migrant statewide, and a rare summer resident in the Pine Ridge, especially in the westernmost canyons of Sioux County. Breeding also occurs in the Black Hills and in Minnesota, and migrants occur throughout the Plains States region.

Migration: Seventy-seven initial spring sightings range from April 18 to June 10, with a median of May 9. Half of the records fall within the period May 3-16. Fourteen final spring sightings range from May 7 to June 7, with a median of May 18. Eighteen initial fall sightings range from July 22 to October 6, with a median of September 11. Half of the records fall within the period September 3-16. Twenty final fall sightings are from September 22 to November 3, with a median of October 1.

Habitats: Migrating birds occupy river-bottom cottonwood forests and other deciduous wooded habitats, where the birds usually forage among the larger branches. While breeding, pine forests and scrubby oak woodlands are favored habitats in the Black Hills and Colorado, but in other areas it breeds in swampy coniferous forests.

Comments: The solitary vireo is notable for its very conspicuous white eye-ring; like the Swainson's thrush I like to think it needs large eyeglasses as a result of too much solitary reading. Its song consists of repeated two- to six-noted phrases. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Yellow-throated Vireo -- Vireo flavifrons
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern counties, and an uncommon summer resident in the forested valley of the Missouri River from South Dakota to Kansas, and west along various tributaries west to at least Garfield and Hall counties. Breeding also occurs widely in the eastern parts of the Plains States, from central North Dakota southward through eastern Oklahoma, and migrants are somewhat more widespread.

Migration: Eighty initial spring sightings range from March 24 to June 3, with a median of May 7. Half of the records fall within the period April 30-May 13. Twenty-seven final fall sightings range from July 21 to October 26, with a median of September 9. Half of the records fall within the period August 30-September 16.

Habitats: Migrants and breeding birds are associated with mature, moist deciduous forests, especially river-bottom forests and shady slopes, and infrequently extends to wooded residential areas.

Comments: This is the most yellow-breasted of all Nebraska's vireos. Like other vireos its song is highly repetitive, often consisting of two-note phrases well separated by distinct pauses, sounding something like, "Honey,....come here." Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Warbling Vireo -- Vireo gilvus
A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a common summer resident almost throughout the state, extending west to the Pine Ridge, throughout the Sandhills in suitable habitats, and to the Colorado border in Deuel and Dundy counties. Breeding occurs widely in the Plains States region, west to Colorado and the Texas panhandle.

Migration: The range of 112 initial spring sightings is from April 30 to June 10, with a median of May 8. Half of the records fall within the period May 1-14. Seventy-nine final fall sightings range from July 26 to October 4, with a median of September 9. Half of the records fall within the period August 30-September 16.

Habitats: During the summer this species occurs in open stands of deciduous trees, including streamside vegetation, groves, scrubby hillsides, and residential areas. Tall streamside trees such as cottonwoods are favored nesting sites.

Comments: Usually foraging high in the treetop canopies of tall hardwood trees, my students hate to try identify this species until I tell them that its song is easily learned if they simply remember that it is saying in a syncopated manner, "Lets go down to the corner and buy us a beer!" From then on they rarely mis-identify the species. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Philadelphia Vireo -- Vireo philadelphicus
An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, west to at least Garden County. Breeding occurs in northern Minnesota and adjacent North Dakota, and migrants are widespread in the eastern half of the Plains States region.

Migration: Fifty-two initial spring sightings range from April 23 to June 4, with a median of May 13. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-19. Eleven final spring sightings are from May 10 to June 10, with a median of May 24. Thirteen initial fall sightings range from July 30 to September 25, with a median of August 25. Twelve final fall sightings are from September 1 to October 21, with a median of September 21.

Habitats: Migrants are associated with open second-growth woodlands, old burned-over wooded areas and clearings, and with streamside or lakeside thickets.

Comments: Like the red-eyed vireo this species lacks wing-bars and has a striped head. Its song is also similar; both species sing extended songs consisting of short phrases separated by brief pauses.


Red-eyed Vireo -- Vireo olivaceus
A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a common summer resident in wooded areas of eastern Nebraska, locally extending west to Sioux (White River), Cherry (Niobrara River), Thomas (Nebraska National Forest), Deuel (South Platte River), and Dundy (Republican River) counties. Breeding occurs widely throughout the eastern portions of the Plains States region, locally west to Wyoming and Colorado.

Migration: The range of 129 initial spring sightings is from March 20 to June 10, with a median of May 14. Half of the records fall within the period May 9-22. Eighty final fall sightings range from July 23 to October 20, with a median of September 7. Half of the records fall within the period August 25-September 5.

Habitats: While in Nebraska these birds are usually found in deciduous forests, especially those with rather open canopies and fairly large trees.

Comments: This is one of the commonest breeding vireos in eastern Nebraska. Like many vireos its song consists of many short phrases that alternately end on ascending and descending notes, as if the bird were asking a question and then immediately answering it, as in, "Do you have any eggs? I don't have any eggs." The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period.


Return To Top Of This Page
GoTo Page Eleven
Return to Table of Contents
GoTo definitions of terms used in text.
[Return to Physics Department]  This web site courtesy of the Department
 of Physics and Physical Science
In cooperation with the [UNK Home] University of Nebraska at Kearney