Frode,

You gave an accurate description of the Appalachian race of Blue-headed 
Vireo, subspecies alticola.   Think of it as lacking any yellow in the back or 
sides so that the back is blue-gray rather than green and the only yellow is in 
the flanks.   This subspecies is a regular migrant here on its way to and from 
the Appalachians and, as you have demonstrated, can be reliably identified in 
the field, no DNA swab required.

Paul O'Brien
Rockville, Mont. Co., MD


In a message dated 5/13/07 1:59:07 PM,  writes:


> Unidentified "spectacled" vireo 1 (Overall similarity to Blue-headed, but
> with uniform colored dusky grayish dorsal side and head. I.e., no clear
> distinction between bright green back and blue head as in Blue-headed. Two
> distinct wing bars ruled out Philadelphia Vireo). My initial thoughts led
> me to think of one of the western "solitary" forms, but I did not get
> photos of the bird so I better leave it be....)
> 
> 




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