The migratory species winters in Mexico, mainly in Baja California. The main cause for the decline is loss of habitat to an expanding human population. Also contributing to the decline is an expanding population of cowbirds, who remove the vireo's eggs from its nest and replace them with their own. These 6-inch birds favor habitat near water in desert country, and build their nests in the limbs of mesquite, willows and cottonwoods. Males feature a crown, throat and underparts in flaming vermillion, contrasting with dark brown upper parts and tail.
Females are brownish gray with a white, narrowly streaked breast and pinkish or yellow lower belly.
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