Other Scientific Names
Vireo atricapillus [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)], Vireo atricapillus [Stotz et al. (1996)], Vireo atricapillus [Collar and Andrew (1988)], Vireo atricapillus [Collar et al. (1994)], Vireo atricapillus [BirdLife International (2000)]
Habitat
During breeding season very dense deciduous shrubland maintained by disturbances, such as fire, and in forest-grassland ecotone. From 1,000 - 2,000 m. During winters in arid deciduous scrub and bushy thickets associated with various woodland-types. From sea-level - 1,600 m.
Breeds in southern USA from western Oklahoma south to Texas and in northern Mexico (Coahuila, possibly also in southern Nuevo León and southern Tamaulipas); migrates to Pacific slope of Mexico (mainly southern Sinaloa and western Durango south to Colima).
Population
Estimated population is 8,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation throughfFire suppression, urban development and agricultural conversion, intensive grazing by livestock and native grazers, brood and nest predation from Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), snakes, and Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Song is a series of rapid 2-3 note phrases. Call is a dry 'chit-it'.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet