Description claude

Endemic to Puerto Rico's archipelago, this small vireo measures 12 cm and weighs 11-12 grams. It has a gray head, white breast, and yellowish belly. Locally called 'bien-te-veo' after its call, it inhabits various forested areas at all elevations including wet and dry forests, mangroves, and shade coffee plantations. Breeding occurs March to July with clutches of 2-3 palish pink eggs spotted brown. Parents share equal responsibility caring for typically one surviving chick. An insectivore feeding on grasshoppers, caterpillars, cicadas, beetles, and aphids, supplemented with spiders, anoles, and berries. The species suffered significant population decline from 1973-1996 in Guánica State Forest, primarily due to brood parasitism by introduced shiny cowbirds affecting 83% of nests and reducing fledgling success by 82%. Other threats include competition for nesting spots, introduced predators like mongooses and cats, deforestation, and removal of shade coffee plantations.