ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Eastern Wood-pewee

 Eastern Wood-pewee

Eastern Wood-pewee
Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery
The Eastern wood-pewee is a flycatcher, known for its stocky build, large head and big mouth. The bill is broad and flattened. These birds fly out from exposed perches to capture insects on the wing and then return to the perch to eat. Wing bars and eye rings are important identifying characteristics; in some species the song must be heard for positive identification.

 

 


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Eastern Wood-pewee
Contopus virens

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 12-13 days

• Clutch Size: 3 eggs

• Young Fledge: 14-18 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects
Description
These small birds are dull in color; gray above and white or paler in color below. It also has white wing bars, a triangular head, and a dark bill that is yellow at the base of the lower mandible.

Habitat and Habits
The pewee can be found in all types of woodlands, but prefers some larger trees and a somewhat open understory. It sometimes occupies urban parks if tree cover is adequate. Pewees say their name, pee-ah-wee. 

Reproduction and Care of the Young
A cup shaped nest made of vegetable matter and lichens is placed on a horizontal branch of a tree. The eggs are white with brown spots.