The blackish pewee is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and possibly Colombia.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill rainforests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth across northern Amazonia. It favors the mid- to upper canopy and tall emergent perches along rivers and clearings. The species is recorded in Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and possibly Colombia. Local presence can be patchy, but it is typically uncommon to fairly common where suitable tall forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A dark, canopy-dwelling tyrant flycatcher, the blackish pewee often hunts from high exposed perches with quick sallies to snatch flying insects. Its thin, whistled notes are a key field clue in dense rainforest where views can be brief. It can be confused with Tropical Pewee but is generally darker overall with subtler contrast.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small foraging territories in the canopy. Nests are small cups placed on horizontal branches, often high above ground. Clutch sizes are small, and both adults usually participate in territory defense and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles, often descending and spaced at regular intervals. Calls can include soft burry notes and sharp chips, carrying surprisingly well in still forest conditions.
Plumage
Overall sooty to blackish-gray with slightly paler throat and subtle pale edging on wing coverts forming two narrow wing bars.
Diet
Primarily aerial insects such as flies, beetles, and winged ants taken in flight. It uses a sit-and-wait strategy, launching from exposed perches to capture prey on the wing (hawking). It occasionally sallies to foliage to glean resting insects. Foraging height is usually mid- to upper canopy.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, light gaps, river corridors, and above canopy clearings where insect activity is concentrated. Also forages over streams and along the borders of tall secondary forest.
