From Opus

Photo by mmdnje
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Contopus virens

[edit] Identification

6.5 inches (17 cm) in length. A sparrow-sized flycatcher, dull olive-grey above and slightly more pale below, with two whitish wing bars. The Western Wood-Pewee is very similar, but is generally darker below; the two species are best told apart by voice. This species is larger than the Empidonax Flycatchers and doesn't have an eye ring.

[edit] Distribution

Breeds from south-central and southeastern Canada to the Gulf Coast and central Florida and winters in the tropics.

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

Forests, open woodlands, orchards, and shade trees in parks and also along roadsides.

[edit] Behaviour

The open cup nest is made from grasses, bark and lichen; 3 eggs are laid and incubated for 12-14 days. Both parents care for the young which fledge 15-17 days later.

[edit] Vocalisation

A plaintive pee-ah-weee or pee-weee, falling in pitch on last note.

[edit] References

Wikipedia

[edit] External Links