Western Wood-Pewee
NameWestern Wood-Pewee
Common NameWestern Wood-Pewee
Scientific NameContopus sordidulus
FamilyTyrannidae
Wingspan (cm)24
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsPlumage is drab olive-gray to brownish-gray on the upperparts, with paler whitish to grayish underparts often showing a faint olive wash on the flanks. It has two faint, whitish wing bars and a slight crest. The lower mandible is typically dark, or dark with a pale base.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, often melancholy, descending 'pee-weer' or a buzzy 'bzz-bzz-bzeer' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across western North America, from Alaska and western Canada south through the western United States and into Mexico. Winters in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to northern South America.
Identifying Featuresdrab gray-brown plumage, upright posture, faint wing bars, dark lower mandible, long primary projection, distinctive 'pee-weer' call
Description
A small, drab flycatcher, the Western Wood-Pewee typically perches upright on an exposed branch, sallying out to catch flying insects. Its plumage is generally muted, allowing it to blend into its woodland habitat.
