Chocó vireo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chocó vireo
Vireo masteri in Ecuador
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Vireonidae
Genus:	Vireo
Species:	V. masteri
Binomial name
Vireo masteri P.G. Salaman & F.G. Stiles, 1996
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The Chocó vireo (scientific name: Vireo masteri) is a small bird that belongs to the Vireonidae family. It was first discovered in 1991 and officially described in 1996. This special bird lives in the western parts of Colombia and has also been found recently in north-west Ecuador. It prefers to live in warm, wet montane forests, which are forests found on mountainsides. Sadly, the Chocó vireo is currently threatened because its natural home is disappearing.

Discovering the Chocó Vireo

How Was It Found?

The Chocó vireo was first seen on August 25, 1991. A scientist named Paul Salaman spotted it in western Nariño, a region in southwest Colombia. He found the bird in a small area of untouched, very wet forest. This forest was located along the Rio Nambi, high up at about 1,500 meters (nearly 5,000 feet) above sea level. This area is part of the Chocó region, which is famous for having many different kinds of plants and animals.

Later, in June 1992, another bird expert named Gary Stiles also saw and studied this bird. He found it while working in Alto de Pisones, in the Risaralda area of Colombia.

What Does It Look Like?

The Chocó vireo is a small bird, measuring a little over four inches long. It is also very light, weighing only about 11.4 grams. Its feathers are mostly greenish, and it has a clear, wide yellowish stripe on its wing. One of its most noticeable features is a long, white stripe above its eye, which helps identify it.

Helping to Protect the Chocó Vireo

A Unique Way to Fund Conservation

After discovering the Chocó vireo, Paul Salaman came up with a very creative idea to help protect its home. He decided to hold an auction for the right to name the bird's scientific name. The money raised from this auction would go directly towards saving the bird's habitat.

Who Won the Naming Rights?

The auction was won by Bernard Master. He was the first American birdwatcher to have seen at least one bird from every bird family in the world! Bernard Master bid US$75,000 to win the naming rights. He chose to name the bird Vireo masteri in his honor. This generous donation was used to create the Pangan ProAves Reserve in Colombia. This reserve helps protect the Chocó vireo and many other species in their natural environment.