Red-eyed Vireo in September
Where red-eyed vireos are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the Red-eyed Vireo's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the Red-eyed Vireo specifically, September is a fall month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 53 states and provinces where red-eyed vireos occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where red-eyed vireos are in September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, red-eyed vireos are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in September
Red-eyed vireos are not nesting in September. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, red-eyed vireos put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in September
- Caterpillars, especially tent and gypsy moth larvae
One of the most abundant birds in eastern woods — and one of the most persistent singers.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Full Red-eyed Vireo diet guide → · Best feeder for red-eyed vireos →
Watching red-eyed vireos this month
Red-eyed vireos are settled and predictable in September, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region red-eyed vireos are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Red-eyed Vireo month by month
Red-eyed Vireo by state
Frequently asked
Where are red-eyed vireos in September?
In September, red-eyed vireos are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do red-eyed vireos nest in September?
No — red-eyed vireos typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do red-eyed vireos eat in September?
Caterpillars, especially tent and gypsy moth larvae.
Sources
- Red-eyed Vireo — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-eyed Vireo life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-eyed Vireo — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.