The greater pewee, formerly known as Coues's flycatcher, is a passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found from Arizona and New Mexico to Nicaragua.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands and Southwestern U.S. Sky Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane pine, pine–oak, and pine–oak–fir forests, often along canyons, forest edges, and semi-open highland woodlands. In the United States it breeds locally in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, with most of the population found from northern Mexico south through Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Birds favor tall trees with open understory where they can perch high and launch aerial sallies. Outside the breeding season many individuals shift downslope locally or move farther south within the highlands.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater pewee is the largest North American pewee, a sturdy tyrant flycatcher of pine–oak highlands from the Southwestern United States to Nicaragua. Its ringing, whistled song is famously rendered as “José María,” often delivered from high exposed perches. It shows a distinctive rich orange lower mandible and typically hunts by sallying out from the canopy to snatch flying insects.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches with agile aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Typically forms solitary territories or pairs during the breeding season. Nests are compact open cups placed on horizontal branches high in conifers or oaks. Pairs defend nest areas vigorously; outside breeding, individuals are often seen alone or loosely associated in suitable foraging habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A loud, clear, whistled series often transcribed as “José María,” repeated persistently from high perches. Calls include sharp, penetrating peeer notes and softer contact whistles.
Plumage
Plain brownish-olive to gray-brown above with a slightly paler grayish throat and breast; faint, sometimes indistinct, buffy wingbars; long, slightly notched tail; small crest often raised.
Diet
Primarily takes flying insects such as beetles, wasps, bees, flying ants, moths, and true bugs, captured in midair. It also gleans from foliage and occasionally hawks prey from near the ground. In cooler months it may add small berries or other soft fruits opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of pine–oak and mixed conifer woodlands, especially at edges, gaps, and along canyons. Frequently uses exposed snags or top branches as hunting perches with good aerial visibility.
