BirdsCaribbean

A Cuban gem is Endemic Bird of the Day 177! 🦩🦉🦜
https://bit.ly/CubanVireo


As one of Cuba's endemic jewels💎, the Cuban Vireo is widely distributed throughout the island and is considered one of the most common species on the island🇨🇺. Its coloration is not very conspicuous, with mainly grayish olive green on the back, and pale yellowish💛 underneath. Males and females look the same. Its eyes are large and dark, and appear to be larger because of the ring of light-colored feathers around the eye. For this reason, in some parts of Cuba it is known as “ojón” which translates to “big-eyed.”👀 Because of the sound it makes when singing🎶, it is also popularly known in Cuba as “juanchiví.”

The species favors wooded areas🌳, but it can also be found in thickets. It inhabits all types of forests, natural, secondary, coffee and pine plantations. Usually flying short distances within the vegetation, where it roosts 💤 and forages mostly lower down in the vegetation (1-3m). Occasionally, it mixes in mixed flocks with other Cuban endemic species such as Yellow- headed and Oriente Warblers. It feeds mainly on insects, arachnids🕷️, fruits and small reptiles.

Like other vireos, the nest is cup-shaped and the breeding season begins in March and ends in August💞. The species usually lays three white eggs with small brown or purplish spots.

It is not globally threatened. To keep this "endemic jewel" shining for years to come, we need to make sure its habitats remain healthy and connected. You can plant native plants 🌱 and berries in your garden to give them a safe place to eat and seek shelter. By spreading the word about the Ojón's funny "Juanchiví" song and supporting local environmental organizations, you also help this big-eyed bird stay a common sight for everyone to enjoy for years to come! 😊

Thanks to Alieny González Alfonso for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.⁠
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📸 Roberto Jovel and Aslam Ibrahim Castellón Maure