Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Blue-headed Vireo
Scientific name:	Vireo solitarius
Date:	Sept. 16, 2026
Time:	11:00 am
Length of time observed:	10 min
Number:	1
Age:	Unknown
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	40.771560,-112.007547 [Salt Lake International Center]
County:	Salt Lake
Latilong:	6
Elevation:	4200'
Distance to bird:	10 feet
Optical equipment:	600mm lens and vortex binoculars 10x
Weather:	Partly cloudy to sunny with a 10-15 mph breeze. I think it was in the upper 70's aproaching low 80's.
Light Conditions:	Light clouds to partial sun.
Description: Size of bird:	Warbler or vireo typical size.
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Leaf gleaner.
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Yellow, gray, and white
(Description:) Bill Type:	Narrow with a slight hook at the end.
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Initially noted what appeared to be brighter than normal Solitary/ Cassin's like Vireo. Realizing I might have the possibility of a Blue-headed I got the camera out to try and get the best photos I could. The bird had a slaty cold colored head with contrasting white throat. Green back and bright yellow sides and highly contrasting coloration. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None heard
Behavior:	Working Austrian Pine foliage for probable insects.
Habitat:	Park style landscaping near and over some wet fragmite areas near International Center buildings and parking lots. Austrian Pines with mixed deciduous trees around. Vireo seemed to like pines exclusively. Though my time with the bird was brief.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Cassin's Vireo is more dull. Dark head and malar contrasts sharply with white throat. Green back of Blue-headed contrasts with slate gray head. Not as prominent on a Cassin's which usually has much more of a gray back. Less yellow on a Cassin's than this bird and Cassin's has less wide and prominent wing bars than this bird.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I've seen one other years ago at Garr Ranch, accepted by Records Committee.
References consulted:	Ebird gallery photos, Sibleys, a few on-line resources of which I don't remember exactly.
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Matthew Pendleton
Observer's address:	bluff view dr.
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	None
Date prepared:	Sep 17, 2026
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	eBitd checklist