155 
THE RED-EYED VIREO, OR GREENLET. 
VlREO oliyaceus, Linn. 
PLATE CCXLIIL— Male. 
One of the principal differences between the habits of this and some other 
species, which are now called Vireos, and the Flycatchers, is, that the former 
procure their food principally by moving about, and along the branches or 
the twigs of the trees, by light hops, alternately changing sides, reaching and 
securing their prey by an elastic extension of the legs and neck, without the 
continual snapping or clicking of the bill so common among the Muscicapae 
on such occasions, and that they seldom make sorties on the wing to any 
distance, for the purpose of seizing the insects on which they usually feed. 
This habit is retained until autumn, when, insects being scarce, the Vireo 
sallies forth to a short distance in pursuit of them, as they may chance to 
pass near the tree on which, in the silent mood of a Flycatcher, it stands 
erect, using the watchful side-glances peculiar to its tribe, as it anxiously 
expects the passage of its prey. Another difference is, that Vireos are 
generally more musical, lively and gay, than Flycatchers, so that their 
society is more welcome to man ; and, as if fully conscious of their supe- 
riority in this respect, and knowing that they commit no depredations upon 
his fruit or bees, calculated to arouse his anger, they often suffer him to 
approach with a carelessness that evidently proves the simplicity of their 
nature. The third great difference between the Vireos and Flycatchers is, 
that the former seldom, if ever, go down from the trees to the watei*, for the 
purpose of drinking ; while the latter are often seen gliding closely over 
rivers and pools, from which they sip their drink. The Vireos quench their 
thirst with the drops of dew or rain that adhere to the leaves or twigs. I 
might add, that the quivering motions of the wings in Flycatchers when 
alighted, is not exhibited by the Vireos, at least has never been observed 
by me. On the other hand, the affinity existing between the Vireos and 
Muscicapm is indicated by their being equally possessed of the power of 
regurgitation. 
The Red-eyed Vireo is an inhabitant of the whole of our forests. Now 
you hear its sweet, unaffected, musical, loud and free warble, from the inner 
top branches of a tall tree, for hours at a time, and even during the hottest 
part of the day ; again, you may count each note that it utters, the little 
