The Hispaniolan pewee is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola which is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Region
Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Hispaniola, occurring in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It occupies montane pine forests, moist broadleaf forests, and mixed second-growth, and also frequents forest edges, clearings, and shaded coffee plantations. Birds commonly perch at mid to upper canopy levels along forest margins and along streams. It adapts reasonably well to semi-open habitats as long as scattered trees or perches are available.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small tyrant flycatcher often hunts from an exposed perch, darting out to snatch flying insects and returning to the same spot. It is part of the Greater Antillean pewee complex, with closely related island endemics on Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Its plaintive, whistled phrases are a familiar sound in Hispaniola’s montane forests and shaded plantations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs during the breeding season, defending small territories centered on reliable perches. The nest is a small cup placed on a horizontal branch or fork, often well camouflaged with plant fibers and lichens. Likely monogamous, with both adults attending the nest and feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, whistled phrases reminiscent of a soft 'pee-wee' or descending whistles, repeated at intervals. Calls include thin chip notes given during foraging and contact. Vocal activity increases at dawn and in overcast conditions.
Plumage
Dull olive-brown upperparts with slightly darker crown; underparts grayish to whitish with a faint brownish wash on the breast and flanks. Two pale wing bars and dusky flight feathers. Tail is dusky and slightly notched; plumage overall plain with subtle contrasts.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and wasps by sallying from exposed perches. It also gleans small arthropods from foliage and occasionally from the ground. In some seasons it may take small berries opportunistically, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, light gaps, and shaded plantations where visibility for aerial sallies is good. Often uses mid-canopy perches near clearings, streams, and along roads or trails within forest.
