veery

The veery (*Vireo olivaceus*) is a small songbird belonging to the vireo family (Vireonidae), native to North America. It is known for its distinctive, melodic song, which consists of a series of clear, whistled notes often described as "chree-chree-chree-chree-chree." The call is one of the most recognizable in eastern North American forests, often heard during the breeding season.

Veeries are slender birds with olive-green upperparts and pale yellow underparts, giving them a subtle, well-camouflaged appearance in their woodland habitats. Their wings are rounded, and they have a short, slightly hooked bill adapted for insectivorous feeding. Males and females appear similar, though females may be slightly duller in color. Juveniles have more pronounced streaking on their underparts and a less distinct eye ring.

These birds are primarily found in deciduous and mixed forests across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. They prefer mature woodlands with dense understory vegetation, where they forage for insects, spiders, and berries. Veeries are migratory, wintering in Central America, particularly in Mexico and parts of Central America, before returning to their breeding grounds in spring.

Veeries build cup-shaped nests made of twigs, bark strips, and rootlets, often placed in shrubs or small trees. Females typically lay three to five eggs, which they incubate for about two weeks. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings, which fledge after another two weeks. Despite their widespread range, veeries are not considered globally threatened, though habitat loss and fragmentation pose challenges to their populations in some regions.

Their song and behavior make veeries a popular subject among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. They are often observed hopping actively through foliage or perching in open areas to sing. The veery’s presence is a sign of healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystems.