Greater Pewee
NameGreater Pewee
Common NameGreater Pewee
Scientific NameContopus pertinax
FamilyTyrannidae
Wingspan (cm)31
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsOverall olive-brown to grayish-brown upperparts, often with a prominent shaggy crest. Underparts are paler, with a yellowish wash on the belly and flanks. It has faint, pale wing bars and a dark tail. The bill is relatively large, with a dark upper mandible and an orange-yellow lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallIts distinctive call is a loud, whistled "ho-SAY, pe-WEET" or "José María," often repeated. It also gives a sharp "pip" note.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in montane regions from southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States, south through Mexico and Central America to Honduras. Winters in southern Mexico and Central America.
Identifying Featureslarge size for a pewee, prominent shaggy crest, olive-brown plumage with yellowish belly wash, large bill with orange-yellow lower mandible, distinctive 'José María' call
Description
This large, crested flycatcher has a drab olive-brown plumage with a yellowish wash on its belly. It is typically found in montane pine-oak forests, where it perches conspicuously and sallies out to catch insects in flight.
