Spectacular, large vireo of highland forests, especially pine-oak. Like most vireos, rather sluggish and easily overlooked. Best detected by song: a loud, hawklike whistle, often repeated steadily. Usually found as singles or in pairs, at middle to upper levels in forest canopy, but also low in brushy thickets; often travels with mixed-species flocks of warblers, orioles, and tanagers. Note the bold face pattern and staring pale eyes; male is more brightly marked, with deep rusty breast band while female breast band is weak and washed out.