Greater Pewee

The greater pewee, Contopus pertinax, is a member of the tyrant flycatcher family, a group of passerine birds. It is the largest breeding Contopus flycatcher in the United States, presenting a rather uniform dull gray-brown plumage. Some individuals may exhibit a buff wash on the breast. A very distinct crest and indistinct wingbars are notable features. The bright orange lower mandible is a striking characteristic, aiding in its identification and distinguishing it from the olive-sided flycatcher, particularly in eastern Arizona and west central New Mexico. The greater pewee measures approximately 8 inches in length, with a wingspan of 13 inches, and weighs around 1 ounce.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the greater pewee, look for its sizeable stature among flycatchers and its uniform gray-brown coloration. The bird's distinct crest and the bright orange lower mandible are key identification markers. Its wingbars are not as prominent, which can help differentiate it from similar species.

Habitat

The preferred habitat of the greater pewee is montane pine forests with an oak understory. It can also be found in montane deciduous forests, particularly those with Arizona sycamore, and mixed montane oak-pine forests. The species is more commonly encountered at elevations above 6,500 feet in Arizona and New Mexico, and is considered rare in western Texas.

Distribution

This bird has a range that extends year-round from central and southern Mexico through to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. During the breeding season, it can be found from central Mexico northward to southeast and central Arizona and southwest New Mexico. There are occasional sightings in southern California, southern Nevada, and western Texas.

Behaviour

The greater pewee is known for its preference to perch high in trees, from where it scans for insects. It exhibits sallying behavior, hawking insects from these elevated perches. This species is territorial and defends its nesting grounds with vigor, not hesitating to attack intruders such as hawks, jays, and squirrels.

Song & calls

The song of the greater pewee is a distinctive whistled sequence of five syllables, often transcribed as "deelip deeree! ah" or the more colloquial "jose maria." The initial "deelip" is typically repeated several times before the rest of the song ensues. Additionally, the bird emits "pip" calls, reminiscent of those made by the olive-sided flycatcher.

Breeding

The female greater pewee is responsible for nest construction, which she situates high in a horizontal fork of a conifer. The nest is a compact structure, secured with cobwebs, and crafted from grass and weeds, often adorned with lichen. The interior is lined with fine grasses. She lays a clutch of three to four creamy white eggs, which are sparsely marked or wreathed with browns and olive, each measuring about 0.8 inches.

Diet and Feeding

Insects form the primary component of the greater pewee's diet, although it may also consume berries during the cooler months.

Conservation status

The greater pewee is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.