Welcoming spring with the return of a feathered friend

If birdwatching is on your spring bucket list, this is a great time of year to catch a glimpse of the Least Bell’s vireo. This unassuming songbird is a state and federal endangered species that returns to Southern California in March and April after spending the winter in Baja California. 

• Least Bell’s vireo are small and gray with short rounded wings and a straight bill.
• Despite their ashy gray color, their songs are bright and beautiful.
• During breeding season, you can hear males marking their territory with a question-and-answer song that sounds like Cheetle-cheetle-cheetle-chee? Cheetle-cheetle-cheetle-chew.
• Fun fact: There are no documented sightings of the Least Bell’s vireo drinking water. They appear to get all the water they need from the insects they eat.

Least Bell’s vireo live in riparian wetland habitats, such as those found in north Carlsbad. These areas boast vegetation like cattail, mulefat, bulrush and salt heliotrope, which thrive in moist soil conditions.

The City of Carlsbad’s Habitat Management Plan helps protect endangered species like the Least Bell’s vireo, a key goal outlined in the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan.