ExploreBirds

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

The Eastern Wood-Pewee is a small, gray bird that loves to sing sweet songs in the woods. They are often seen perched quietly on branches, waiting to catch insects to eat.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Eastern Wood-Pewee is a sleek, olive-grey flycatcher with a pale belly and two faint whitish wing bars. It has a slightly peaked crown and a dark bill with a yellowish lower mandible, setting it apart from similar species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusContopus
Eastern Wood-Pewee
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Eastern Wood-Pewee

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its sad-sounding 'pee-a-wee' song is a classic sound of eastern forests!

Their nest is a tiny cup covered with lichen, making it look like a knot!

These tiny birds fly thousands of miles from North America to South America each year!

They often return to the exact same nesting territory, sometimes the same tree!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

Eastern Wood-Pewee can snatch insects mid-air with incredible agility that helps them catch fast-flying prey.

Ability

Camouflage Master

Eastern Wood-Pewee has dull, greenish-grey plumage that helps them blend perfectly into forest canopies.

Ability

Silent Hunter

Eastern Wood-Pewee can glide almost silently through branches because of specialized wing feathers, helping them surprise insects.

Measurements & details

Length
13-16 cm
Wingspan
23-26 cm
Weight
0.011-0.014 kg
Lifespan
2-8 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These expert aerial hunters feast mostly on flying insects, catching them right out of the air!

Primary Foods

  • Flies
  • Mosquitoes
  • Beetles
  • Moths
  • Wasps

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eastern Wood-Pewee?

13-16 cm

What is Eastern Wood-Pewee's wingspan?

23-26 cm

How much does Eastern Wood-Pewee weigh?

0.011-0.014 kg

How long does Eastern Wood-Pewee live?

2-8 years

How fast can Eastern Wood-Pewee move?

35 km/h

What does Eastern Wood-Pewee eat?

These expert aerial hunters feast mostly on flying insects, catching them right out of the air!

Where is Eastern Wood-Pewee usually found?

Forests

How does Eastern Wood-Pewee hunt?

Ambush

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Where to spot

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