Most authorities include it in the species Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceous with two groups: the olivaceous group which breeds in North America and migrates mainly to Amazonia in the northern winter; and the chivi group which breeds in South America but migrates to Amazonia during the southern winter.

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.