Western Wood Pewee
Contopus sordidulus · Tyrant Flycatchers and Allies
The Western Wood-Pewee is a small, unassuming flycatcher of western North American woodlands, often identified by its distinctive voice. These grayish-brown birds are adept aerial insectivores, frequently sallying from exposed perches to catch prey. Though visually similar to its eastern counterpart, its vocalizations are key to distinguishing this species.
Explore the full field guideMigratorySmall sizeBuzzy callInsectivorous
2 calls·first heard Aug 12·last 34d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Dull olive-gray to grayish-brown on the upperparts, with lighter underparts that have an olive wash on the breast.
- Two faint, whitish wing bars are typically present, though they can be indistinct.
- The bill is dark, often with a paler or dull orange base to the lower mandible.
- Often perches upright on exposed branches, giving it a somewhat tall appearance.