RED-EYED VIREO 345 



the strange eggs in the least. Three and four of the parasitic eggs are 

 sometimes found in a single nest." 



Harold S. Peters (1936) reports the finding of two species of lice 

 and three species of mites in the plumage of this vireo. 



Fall. — After its long period of song is over the red-eyed vireo be- 

 comes comparatively inconspicuous. In the autumn migration it is 

 not a prominent bird. We meet an individual or two, associated with 

 many of the flocks of warblers as they pass through in September, but 

 perhaps more often we come upon a single bird low down in shrubbery 

 where it is feeding on berries, notably those of the wild and cultivated 

 cornels. Here, in marked contrast to its behavior earlier in the season, 

 it moves about slowly, generally in complete silence, although it may 

 sometimes give a peevish snarl. 



It seems strange to see a redeye in this subdued mood, for all 

 through the summer we have associated the bird with constant activ- 

 ity, quickness, and an almost endless stream of loud, exuberant music. 

 Even at this late date, however, the bird is on the watch for insects and 

 continues to examine in its characteristic, careful manner the twngs and 

 what leaves remain on the branches, twisting its neck to peer under 

 the leaves with a sidelong glance. 



Wlien it flies it progresses with an easy grace, more rapidly than 

 the warblers and chickadees which are flitting through the treetops 

 at this season, and it surpasses its companions in its precise coordina- 

 tion of movement. 



Taverner and Swales (1908), in their study of the fall migration at 

 Point Pelee, report that red-eyed vireos are regular migrants from 

 late in August to late in September, some remaining "well into Octo- 

 ber," but not many birds are seen on a single day, except on rare 

 occasions. 



Alexander F, Skutch writes to Mr. Bent of the migration through 

 Central America thus : 



"The red-eye vireo is know^n in Csntral America only as a transient, 

 journeying between its winter home in South America and its breeding 

 range in North America. Its migration route, north of the Isthmus 

 of Panama, appears to center in the highlands — where, however, it is 

 seldom recorded as high as 6.000 feet — but extends down the Carib- 

 bean slope to sea level and on the Pacific slope to at least 1,500 feet. 

 September is the month when these vireos pass southward in greatest 

 numbers; but stragglers have been recorded in Costa Rica as late as 

 October 28 (Cr.rriker) and November 10 (Skutch). The northward 

 passage begint late in Maich and is at its height in April, while an 

 occasional straggler may be seen early in May. As they pa:;3 through 

 Central America the red-eyed vireos are met singly or in small flocks. 

 1 have not heard them sing while migrating." 



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