Date: 4/27/26 10:22 am
From: Mike Thompson <mt...>
Subject: [cobirds] All flagged Warbling Vireos require audio
Hi everyone - We are well into the first migratory season in which *Western
Warbling Vireo (WEWV)* and *Eastern Warbling Vireo (EAWV)* are treated by
eBird as separate species. To help manage this split, the current Colorado
eBird policy is intentionally straightforward:

1. Any flagged submission as either EAWV or WEWV must include diagnostic
audio to be accepted.
2. Flagged submissions without audio must be revised to WEWV/EAWV
(slash) to be accepted.

*In short: if it flags, include audio.*

Statewide eBird filters for EAWV and WEWV have been carefully crafted by
Kathy Mihm Dunning and Andrew Spencer. The filters balance accuracy while
accommodating new insights, recognizing that much remains to be learned
about status and distribution. As always, filters are subject to
improvement, with plans to revisit this coming winter after a full season
of observations.

Areas most affected by the split and filter changes include portions of
eastern Colorado, the Urban Corridor, and the Front Range.

Currently, diagnostic vocal identification relies on subtle differences in
song. Colorado examples of each species can be found here:

- Western Warbling Vireo:
https://media.ebird.org/catalog?birdOnly=true&taxonCode=wewvir2&mediaType=audio&sort=rating_rank_desc&view=grid&regionCode=US-CO&tag=song
- Eastern Warbling Vireo:
https://media.ebird.org/catalog?birdOnly=true&taxonCode=eawvir1&mediaType=audio&sort=rating_rank_desc&view=grid&regionCode=US-CO&tag=song

Photos are also strongly encouraged, especially those clearly showing
facial features and primaries. While audio is currently required for
species-level confirmation of flagged submissions, this policy may relax as
we gain more experience. Well-documented slash submissions, particularly
those with strong photo evidence, could be candidates for retroactive
upgrade.

eBirding of Warbling Vireos requires caution and restraint, and will
present challenges for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and
important contributions!

Mike Thompson

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