white-eyed vireo

American  

[hwahyt-ahyd, wahyt-] / ˈʰwaɪtˌaɪd, ˈwaɪt- /

noun

1. a vireo, Vireo griseus, of eastern North America, having olive, yellow, and white plumage, a yellow ring around each eye, and white irises.

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Etymology

Origin of white-eyed vireo

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

A white-eyed vireo might be spotted en route from Mexico, or a ruby-throated hummingbird on the way from Panama, or a sooty shearwater from Tierra del Fuego.

From Washington Post • Mar. 23, 2017

“Here, you may find a ruby–throated hummingbird, broad-winged hawk and white-eyed vireo all in one tree.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 15, 2016

He twists his head as he hears the greeting of a white-eyed vireo.

From Time Magazine Archive

Only one voice seems out of tune: the white-eyed vireo, even to-day, cannot forget his saucy accent.

From A Florida Sketch-Book by Torrey, Bradford

Of all the malaperts of birddom none excel and few equal the white-eyed vireo for volubility and downright audacity.

From Our Bird Comrades by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)