Least Bell's Vireo

Image Details

The least Bell’s vireo was added to the State of California’s list of endangered species in 1980. It was listed as endangered by the Service on May 2, 1986 due to a significant range-wide decline in population related to extensive habitat loss and degradation associated with urban development, exotic plant invasion, and expansion of agricultural practices into riparian zones. Brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird was also identified as an issue.

Range and Habitat

Least Bell’s vireos winter in southern Baja California, Mexico, where they occupy a variety of habitats, including mesquite scrub within arroyos, palm groves, and hedgerows bordering agricultural and residential areas.

Migration

Least Bell's vireos winter in Southern Mexico. They head south by September and come back by mid-March to early April.

Breeding Season

These birds generally arrive in southern California breeding areas by mid-March to early April, with males arriving before females and older birds arriving before first-year breeders. Least Bell’s vireos generally remain on the breeding grounds until late September, although some post-breeding migration may begin as early as late July.

Refuge Occurrence

Within the Otay-Sweetwater Unit, critical habitat for the least Bell’s vireo has been designated along the Sweetwater River. This portion of the vireo’s critical habitat extends along the river floodplain from the northeastern end of Sweetwater Reservoir to about one mile (1.6 kilometers) east of the intersection of Highways 54 and 94. Critical habitat for the least Bell’s vireo has also been designated along Jamul/Dulzura Creek to the north of the Lower Otay Reservoir, just outside the Refuge boundary.

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and, as a work of the United States government, in the public domain; pictures kept only where the Service marks them public domain.

Nobody has written it yet — it is the source material at a new address, which is why search engines are asked to skip it and why no one earns from it. It is up for grabs: take it on, and it is yours to rewrite and to earn from.