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vireo

(Science: ornithology) Any one of numerous species of American singing birds belonging to Vireo and allied genera of the family Vireonidae. In many of the species the back is greenish, or olive-coloured. Called also greenlet.

In the Eastern united states the most common species are the white-eyed vireo (Vireo Noveboracensis), the redeyed vireo (V. Olivaceus), the blue-headed, or solitary, vireo (V. Solitarius), the warbling vireo (V. Gilvus), and the yellow-throated vireo (V. Flavifrons). All these are noted for the sweetness of their songs.

Origin: L, a species of bird.