Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
VIREONIDAE Members: Yellow-throated Vireo 438
General Comments
The Yellow-throated Vireo has a breeding range that closely matches the "eastern deciduous forest" biome. As with most migratory songbirds, it winters south of the United States, though there are a few reports in winter in North Carolina (most if not all likely to have been Pine Warblers), none of which have been confirmed with photos. It nests over most of the state, but is absent or scarce in the eastern Coastal Plain and in the higher mountains. It favors mature forests or groves, either wholly deciduous or at least mostly so (it tends to avoid pines), and has a slight preference for bottomlands or wooded streamsides (as opposed to swamps or to drier sites). This is a sluggish bird, usually remaining well up in the canopy, not moving much, often requiring patience to see well.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S4B
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Summer resident. Fairly common over the western and central portions, but rare to locally absent farther eastward such as in the Dismal Swamp area, most of the Pamlimarle Peninsula, most of Croatan National Forest, and the Green Swamp. It is absent as a breeder along the coast, as well. Mainly early Apr to late Sep. One was photographed on the late date of 18 Nov 2023 in Buxton Woods (Dare). Apparently just one winter report, one photographed at Buxton Woods on 10 Dec 2022. Peak counts: (of migrants), 11 at Corolla (Currituck), 3 Oct 2004.
Piedmont
Summer resident. Fairly common over most of the province, though likely slightly less numerous in the foothills. Mainly early Apr to late Sep. Two Dec reports, neither documented by photos. Peak counts:
Mountain
Summer resident. Generally uncommon (to perhaps locally fairly common) in the lower elevations (to about 3,000 feet); mostly occurs in streamside groves along rivers and creeks, as opposed to forests. Essentially absent above about 3,500 feet. No winter reports. Mainly early Apr to late Sep. Peak counts:
Finding Tips
Usually a few can be found in a morning of birding in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont, such as in a state park.