Contopus virens, commonly known as the Eastern Wood-Pewee, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution extends throughout the eastern United States and parts of southeastern Canada during the breeding season, from the Great Plains to the Atlantic Ocean. During winter, it migrates to Central America and northern South America, from southern Mexico to northwestern Peru and western Venezuela.

The Eastern Wood-Pewee typically inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, preferring open woods with little underbrush, edge habitats, and sometimes even urban parks and gardens. The species favors habitats with intermediate levels of canopy cover, providing a combination of open space for foraging and sufficient tree cover for nesting. During migration and in winter habitats, they frequent similar environments but can also be found in tropical lowland forests.

As an insectivorous bird, the Eastern Wood-Pewee plays a role in controlling insect populations. It is an aerial forager, catching insects on the wing while perched at mid-canopy levels. The species is a sit-and-wait predator, often returning to favorite perches. Its selection of open woodland habitats aligns with its need for space to maneuver during flight feeding.