CONTOPUS VIRENS Meaning and
Definition
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Contopus virens, commonly known as the eastern wood-pewee, is a species of small to medium-sized bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family (Tyrannidae). It is native to North America and is found primarily in the eastern parts of the continent, from southeastern Canada to the Gulf Coast of the United States and as far west as Texas.
The eastern wood-pewee has an average length of about 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) and is known for its plain, olive-brown plumage. It possesses a light yellow wash on its lower belly and undertail coverts, a characteristic that helps in identification. The bird has a dark bill, pale wing bars, and a noticeable peaked head shape. Its song is a distinctive, clear, three-syllabled whistle that is commonly transcribed as "pee-a-wee."
This species typically inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, where it prefers to perch on tree branches and flycatch for insects. It frequently nests in the upper canopy, constructing a small cup-shaped nest of grasses, twigs, and plant fibers, often near or on horizontal branches. The eastern wood-pewee feeds mainly on small flying insects, which it catches in mid-air during its aerial foraging flights.
The conservation status of Contopus virens is categorized as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to its wide range and stable population, although it may face localized threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation.
Common Misspellings for CONTOPUS VIRENS
- xontopus virens
- vontopus virens
- fontopus virens
- dontopus virens
- cintopus virens
- ckntopus virens
- clntopus virens
- cpntopus virens
- c0ntopus virens
- c9ntopus virens
- cobtopus virens
- comtopus virens
- cojtopus virens
- cohtopus virens
- conropus virens
- confopus virens
- congopus virens
- conyopus virens
- con6opus virens
Etymology of CONTOPUS VIRENS
The word Contopus virens is the binomial name of a species of bird commonly known as the eastern wood-pewee. It is a combination of Latin and English words.
- Contopus: The genus name Contopus is derived from Latin. Conto- is derived from the Latin word cantus, which means song, melody, or singing. The suffix -pus is derived from the Greek word pous, which means foot. So Contopus can be translated to songbird or one with melodious feet.
- Virens: The specific epithet virens is a Latin word that means green. This is likely in reference to the bird's greenish coloration.
Thus, Contopus virens could be interpreted as a songbird with melodious feet that is green in color.
