vireo

[vir-ee-oh]

noun

plural

vireos 

1. any of several small, insectivorous American birds of the family Vireonidae, having the plumage usually olive-green or gray above and white or yellow below.

vireo

/ ˈvɪrɪəʊ /

noun

1. any insectivorous American songbird of the family Vireonidae, esp those of the genus Vireo, having an olive-grey back with pale underparts

Word History and Origins

Origin of vireo¹

1825–35; < New Latin; Latin vireō (Pliny), probably the greenfinch, derivative of virēre to be green

Word History and Origins

Origin of vireo¹

C19: from Latin: a bird, probably a greenfinch; compare virēre to be green

Example Sentences

Conservation and management of the least Bell’s vireo, California least tern, and western snowy plover have resulted in significant increases to on-base populations of these species, according to the agency.

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I noticed that many of your previous papers cover the gray vireo, which your new study quantifies as a “drab,” understudied bird.

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He pointed to other examples of successful animal control programs, including trapping brown-headed cowbirds to benefit the least bell’s vireo, a small endangered bird.

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But birds that are more sensitive to temperatures — and those whose prey can’t stand the heat — might suffer under persistent warming, such as yellow warblers and Bell’s vireos.

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Once teetering on extinction, the least Bell’s vireo is making a comeback in areas along the Los Angeles River, including a bustling park in northeast L.A.

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