Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon

The Bell Vireo (Vireo bellii Aud.) is a summer resident in riparian and second-growth situations in the central United States south of North Dakota. In the last two decades this bird has become fairly common in western, and to a lesser extent in central, Indiana and is apparently shifting its breeding range eastward in that state. In northeastern Kansas the species breeds commonly and occurs in most tracts of suitable habitat. The amount of information on the ritualized behavior of the Bell Vireo and related species heretofore has been meager. The author observed breeding behavior from its inception in early May through the summer of 1960, and this report is the fruit of said labor.