pewee etymology

Etymology:

The word "pewee" comes from the Native American Algonquian word "pipiwe," which refers to a small bird that makes a distinctive "peep" or "pee-ah" sound.

Meaning:

A pewee is a small, insectivorous bird known for its characteristic peeping or whistling call. The term is used in North America to refer to several species within the flycatcher family (Tyrannidae).

Origin:

The word "pewee" was first used in English in the early 1800s to describe the Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens). It was later applied to other small flycatchers with similar calls, such as the Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) and the Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi).

Specific Species:

The following are some of the bird species that are commonly referred to as pewees:

  • Eastern Wood-Pewee: Most common pewee in eastern North America, known for its "pee-ah" call.
  • Acadian Flycatcher: Occurs in eastern and central North America, has a distinctive "pit-pew" call.
  • Olive-sided Flycatcher: Found in coniferous forests, known for its loud, whistling "quick-three-beers" call.
  • Western Wood-Pewee: Similar to Eastern Wood-Pewee, but found in western North America.
  • Least Flycatcher: Smallest of the pewee species, found throughout North America, has a high-pitched "che-bek" call.

pewee relate terms

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