But for its slightly larger size and duller whites, the Hutton's Vireo seems to resemble the Ruby Crowned Kinglet in every way. The Kinglet ranges over much of North America, including the western oak forests favored by the Hutton's Vireo, and it can be very easy to confuse the two. As is often the case with similar looking birds, the key distinguishing feature is the call.
The Kinglet has a series of short, wren-like chats. The Vireo has a higher pitched zu-weep.
I was lucky to have the two species inhabiting the same oak tree down at Madera canyon, where they were both calling and making for an easy comparison.
Meet Jabba, the Hutton's Vireo.
