How does the White-eyed Vireo's diet typically shift when moving to its wintering grounds?

Answer

It becomes significantly more frugivorous, relying on small berries and fruits

The feeding ecology of the White-eyed Vireo demonstrates a distinct seasonal plasticity related to food availability during migration and wintering periods. During the breeding season, while inhabiting North America, the vireo is primarily insectivorous. It acts as a foliage gleaner, capturing prey like caterpillars, flies, ants, wasps, and beetles by hovering or lunging among branches. Once the birds migrate south or settle into their wintering locations, their diet undergoes a major transition, becoming significantly more frugivorous. They then rely heavily on consuming small berries and fruits, and notably serve as a key seed disperser for certain plants like the gumbo-limbo tree.

How does the White-eyed Vireo's diet typically shift when moving to its wintering grounds?

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