The Red-eyed Vireo is breeds throughout South America as far south as central Argentina and migrating birds are found throughout much of North America during the breeding season. See the distribution map at Birdlife International.

It is dull olive green above with a grey crown. There is a dusky streak through the eye above which is a broad white supercilium and a black line. The Chivi Vireo or chivi group has a dull dark red iris while the olivaceous group has a red iris. Below is whitish with greenish yellow on the flanks.