Plumbeous Vireo
The Plumbeous Vireo (Vireo plumbeus) was once a subspecies within the Solitary Vireo complex along with the Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) and the Cassin’s Vireo (Vireo cassinii). With the help of early genetic studies, in 1997 all three were split into their recognized species today. It is one of the least studied vireos.
We are working with our very own Bird Genoscape Project lab manager, Amanda Carpenter, and in collaboration with Dr. Garth Spellman from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, to construct a genoscape for the Plumbeous Vireo which will include the subspecies in Mexico and Central America to hopefully add clarity to taxonomic relationships. We’re also interested in exploring its evolutionary history, regions of the genome associated with climate and ecology, and its contact zone with the Cassin’s Vireo.
We are actively collecting and seeking samples from breeding and wintering locations across the Plumbeous Vireo’s range. Please contact Amanda Carpenter to learn more about how you can contribute to the project!