chochín oriental

1. Bird Name: The bird is known by the English name “Eastern Wood Pewee.” Its scientific name is Contopus virens.

2. Appearance: The Eastern Wood Pewee is an unassuming bird with muted colors. Its upperparts are a dusky olive-gray while its underparts are paler towards the middle. A characteristic that makes this bird distinct from other flycatchers is the presence of two distinct, noticeable wing bars on each side, lending some interest to an otherwise plain bird. It has a rounded head, a pointed bill with a hook at the end, and black eyes. Adult males and females generally have similar appearances but females may be slightly paler than the males.

3. Size: The Eastern Wood Pewee is generally small in size, with an average length of 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) and a wingspan of 25-26 cm (9.8-10.2 inches). The weight of this bird ranges between 12 and 14 g (0.42 and 0.49 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution: This bird species is commonly found in the Eastern region of North America, and as far west as Texas and Alberta. It’s known for populating deciduous forests and wooded suburbs. The Eastern Wood Pewee is migratory, overwintering in Central and South America.

5. Interesting Facts: Despite being so small and somewhat drab looking, the Eastern Wood Pewee is known for its vibrant and expressive song. It often sings persistently throughout the day, unlike most songbirds that are active in the early morning or late evening. It is an excellent insect hunter, usually capturing its prey in midair with deft acrobatics. This species also forms monogamous pair bonds during the breeding season, but remains solitary otherwise.

6. Diet: The diet of these flycatchers primarily consists of insects and spiders. They employ a flycatcher method of hunting wherein they perch on a branch and wait for an insect to fly past, pursue it in the air, and then return to the same perch. Occasionally, they supplement their diet with berries and seeds.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Eastern Wood Pewees are known for their distinct call and song, often described as a mournful “pee-a-wee, peer” given from the canopy. During fighting or courtship, a soft, eerie “pee-yer” may also be heard. The males are well known for their singing, even in the heat of the day. Their flight pattern is unique, where they swoop up and down as they pursue flying insects before returning to their original perch.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Eastern Wood Pewee is listed as “Least Concern,” largely due to its extensive range and stable population. That said, the population trend appears to be decreasing and habitat loss presents an ongoing threat.

9. Lifespan: The average lifespan for an Eastern Wood Pewee is roughly unknown, but it’s thought to be between 3 to 5 years in the wild.

10. Additional Notes: Although the Eastern Wood Pewee does not have any other local names, it does have a crucial role in the ecosystems it inhabits. Its diet of insects and spiders aids in controlling the populations of these pests in the areas they live in. This bird is not generally friendly to humans, maintaining a decent distance from human activities. However, their singing does provide a melodic backdrop to inhabitants in the regions they prevail.