CUBAN PEWEE, BLUE HOLE,KEY DEER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE,BIG PINE KEY,MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA, 12/17/202

   The Cuban Pewee had been reported on ebird as being at the Blue Hole since at least December 15.  So we decided to try and find it, as it would be a life bird. We really lucked out.  By following the location given on some of the ebird sightings we were able to see and photograph the Cuban Pewee fairly quickly.
   We can ID this flycatcher as a Cuban Pewee as follows:

• Distinct white crescent-shaped marking directly behind the eye.  This is one of its field markings that distinguishes it from other similar flycatchers, such as the Eastern Wood-Pewee.
• Relatively long, broad, bicolored bill with a yellowish lower mandible.
• Gray to buff underparts.
• Short primary projection.
• Small size
• Two weak whitish wingbars.  You can just make these out in the photos.
  
  

   The Cuban Pewee is found in Cuba and the Northern Bahamas.  It is a rare visitor to southeastern Florida.
   The Cuban Pewee is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 993.