THE ENDEMIC VIREO OF FERNANDO-DE-NORONHA (VIREO-GRACILIROSTRIS)

The Noronha Vireo (Vireo gracilirostris) is endemic to the small ocean ic island of Fernando de Noronha off the easternmost tip of Brazil. Al though derived from the Red-eyed Vireo (V. olivaceus) complex, the Nor onha Vireo is differentiated strongly in coloration, plumage pattern, and morphology and fully merits recognition as a distinct species. It is a smaller bird with a much more rounded wing, longer, more slender bill and a more elongated tail and tarsus. These appear to be speciali zations for gleaning small insects from foliage, particularly the unde rsides of leaves. The birds are abundant where appropriate habitat is maintained. The few available data on reproductive and molt cycles, ne sting, and vocalizations in V. gracilirostris are summarized.