WOOD PEWEE. 



461. Contopus virens. 6 l / 2 inches. 



In life, the Pewee can best be distinguished from 

 the larger Phoebe, with which it is often confounded, 

 by its sad, plaintive pe-ah-wee, pee-wee, which is strik- 

 ingly different from the brusque call of the Phoebe. 

 Pewees are also found more in high, dry woods where 

 they build their little moss covered homes on horizon- 

 tal boughs at quite a height from the ground. Like the 

 other flycatchers they always perch on dead twigs, 

 where their view is as little obstructed as possible. 



Notes. A clear, plaintive whistle pe-ah-wee, pee- 

 wee. 



Nest. One of the most exquisite of bird creations, 

 composed of plant fibres quilted together and orna- 

 mented with rock lichens; situated at varying heights 

 on horizontal limbs, preferably oak or chestnut, and 

 sometimes in apple trees in orchards. Eggs creamy 

 white, specked with brown (.80x.55). 



Range. U. S. from the Plains to the Atlantic and 

 north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in 

 Central America. 



