This species is nearly identical to Eastern Wood-Pewee. The two are best distinguished by voice. Western Wood-Pewee is darker overall and lacks the greenish tones sometimes seen on Eastern. Upperparts are brownish-gray with two grayish wing bars and just a hint of a pale eye ring. The upper wing bar is less obvious than the lower. Underparts are dirty whitish with a dusky wash over the breast, sides, and flanks. The lower mandible is dark yellow-orange with a dark tip, or may be completely dark. The wing projection is very long, about equal to the tail projection. Juvenile is slightly darker overall, with buffy wing bars.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 27 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a descending raspy Pee-yurrr.

Habitat:

Mixed woodlands, forest edge, riparian corridors.

Behavior:

Tail is usually held in a straight line with the back and wings, which may be useful in separating this species from Eastern Wood-Pewee.

Feeding:

Flycatches from exposed perch, usually high in the canopy or from utility lines. Often returns again and again to the same perch.