ExploreBirds

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

The Western Wood-Pewee is a small, friendly bird that loves to sing in the trees. It has a soft, grayish-brown body and a cheerful song that sounds like 'pee-wee!'

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Wood-Pewee has dull grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts, often with faint, dusky vest-like streaks on its sides. It is distinguished by two subtle, pale wing bars and notably long wings that extend past its short tail, giving it a sleek appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusContopus
Western Wood-Pewee
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Western Wood-Pewee

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

13

Interesting facts

Their signature "pee-wee" call sounds just like they're saying their own name!

This bird builds a tiny cup-shaped nest, often decorated with lichen and spider silk!

Western Wood-Pewees often return to the exact same nesting tree year after year!

Young pewees grow incredibly fast, leaving the nest only 16-18 days after hatching!

Special abilities

Ability

Mid-air Acrobat

Western Wood-Pewees can snatch flying insects because of their agile flight and quick reflexes mid-air.

Ability

Acoustic Radar

Western Wood-Pewees have a keen sense of hearing that helps them detect tiny insect movements from afar.

Ability

Camouflage Master

Western Wood-Pewees have drab, earthy plumage that helps them blend perfectly into tree branches.

Measurements & details

Length
14-16 cm
Wingspan
23-26 cm
Weight
0.011-0.014 kg
Lifespan
3-8 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These acrobatic birds primarily eat flying insects that they catch with impressive aerial maneuvers.

Primary Foods

  • flies
  • wasps
  • bees
  • beetles
  • moths

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 to identify Western Wood-Pewee?

The easiest way to identify Western Wood-Pewee is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Western Wood-Pewee?

14-16 cm

What is Western Wood-Pewee's wingspan?

23-26 cm

How much does Western Wood-Pewee weigh?

0.011-0.014 kg

How long does Western Wood-Pewee live?

3-8 years

How fast can Western Wood-Pewee move?

35 km/h

What does Western Wood-Pewee eat?

These acrobatic birds primarily eat flying insects that they catch with impressive aerial maneuvers.

Where is Western Wood-Pewee usually found?

Forests

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