Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)
Status in Canada: Special Concern
Status in Ontario: Not yet Listed
Status at SWCR: Abundant and widespread breeding bird
This migratory songbird is common to the Norfolk region, but declining throughout its range.
Quick Facts:
- This songbird has a distinct call: “PEE-a-wee”.
- It eats flying insects, hunting them from high perches in dead trees.
- It breeds as far north as the southern edge of the Hudson Bay Lowlands.
- Populations are declining throughout its range, but the cause of these declines is still largely unknown.
Threats at the St. Williams Conservation Reserve:
Unknown: population-wide declines are likely related to changes in flying insect populations and residential development.
Activities that can damage critical Eastern wood pewee habitat include:
- Activities that can introduce or encourage the growth of invasive plants, such as dumping of garden waste and off-trail ATV use.
St. Williams Conservation Reserve management practices:
- Population monitoring
- Forest thinning activities
- Invasive plant control
- Enforcement of unauthorized trail use
- Prescribed burns
What you can do to help:
- Follow the code of conduct for recreational activities in the Conservation Reserve and know and respect the current trail-use regulations.
- Clean you boots, bicycle tires, or ATV before and after visiting the SWCR or other natural areas to avoid spreading invasive plant seeds.
- Report sightings to the SWCR CC, Bird Studies Canada (www.ebird.ca or 1-888-448-2473), or the Natural Heritage Information Centre.
- Report unauthorized trail use or any illegal activity related to plants and wildlife to 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
More information:
Species At Risk Public Registry Profile
Ontario Species at Risk Profile
