Black-capped Vireo

This is a tiny body feather from a small, energetic songbird. The Black-capped Vireo is distinguished by its jet-black hood (in males) or slate-gray hood (in females), contrasting white 'spectacles' around the eyes, and olive-green back with yellowish flanks. They are roughly 4.5 inches long with a 7-inch wingspan.

Base is a neutral grayish-brown transitioning to a pale yellow or olive-green wash at the distal tip; the color is melanin-based with some carotenoid influence for the yellow.

Mixed structure; pennaceous at the distal tip for color display and plumulaceous at the proximal base for insulation; barbs appear loose and soft.

Silky and soft; the pennaceous portion is matte, while the plumulaceous portion is fluffy and lofted for heat retention.

Diminutive size, olive-yellow tint at the tip, and a long, fluffy downy base (afterfeather area) characteristic of small temperate-migratory songbirds.

Found in rangelands with scattered, low-growing deciduous shrubs and trees, specifically oak-juniper scrub and brushy ravines.

Breeds in central and northern Texas, southern Oklahoma, and northern Mexico (Coahuila); migrates to the Pacific slope of western Mexico for winter.

Insectivorous predator that helps control beetle and caterpillar populations; serves as an indicator species for the health of scrub-oak ecosystems.

White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) and Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) have similar body feathers, but the specific olive-yellow saturation often helps distinguish the Black-capped.

The Black-capped Vireo was one of the first species to benefit significantly from targeted Brown-headed Cowbird management, as they are frequent victims of brood parasitism.

Fair to Good; shows some signs of handling and slight matting of the downy barbs from being taped or mounted on cardstock.