Note.—A loud, clear whistle, “whip-wheeu,” the first syllable short and sharp, the last long and drawn out into a plaintive ending.
Nest.—A small structure for the size of the bird, made of twigs and mosses firmly anchored to horizontal limbs or forks. Three to five eggs are laid; a rich creamy ground, spotted about the large end with brown and lavender (.85 × .65).
Range.—N. A., breeding from the latitude of Massachusetts, and farther south in mountainous regions, north to Labrador and Alaska.
WOOD PEWEE
461. Myiochanes virens. 6½ inches
In life, the Pewee can best be distinguished from the larger Phœbe, with which it is often confounded, by its sad, plaintive “pe-ah-wee,” “pee-wee” which is strikingly different from the brusque call of the Phœbe. Pewees are also found more in high, dry woods where they build their little moss-covered homes on horizontal 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.
Note.—A clear, plaintive whistle, “pe-ah-whee,” “pee-wee.”
Nest.—One of the most exquisite of bird creations, composed of plant fibres quilted together and ornamented 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 (.80 × .55).
Range.—U. S. from the Plains to the Atlantic and north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in Central America.