Photo credit: USFWS

Least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) | ESA status: endangered

Least Bell’s vireo

The least Bell’s vireo is a streamside forest dweller imperiled by the widespread destruction of southwestern riparian habitats.

Least Bell’s vireo habitat

The least Bell’s vireo was once abundant throughout the Central Valley and other low-elevation riverside areas of California. They historically bred in riparian woodlands from the interior of northern California to northwestern Baja California in Mexico. It is now essentially extirpated from the Central Valley, and most nesting occurs in southwestern California and Baja California.

What are the threats to the least Bell’s vireo?

Widespread loss of riparian habitat and brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird are the main threats to this rare bird.

What WildEarth Guardians is doing to protect the least Bell’s vireo

WildEarth Guardians’ past work to eliminate or severely reduce livestock grazing on southwestern national forests benefitted the vireo and dozens of other species.

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WildEarth Guardians protects and restores the wildlife, wild places, wild rivers, and health of the American West.

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