The Jamaican pewee is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae. It is endemic to Jamaica. It was formerly regarded as a subspecies of the Greater Antillean pewee.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Endemic to Jamaica, where it occupies forest edges, montane and foothill forests, second-growth woodland, and shaded plantations. It favors semi-open habitats with scattered tall trees that provide exposed perches. The species also uses riparian corridors and clearings within forest, often near streams. It adapts reasonably well to human-altered landscapes provided mature trees remain. Breeding occurs in wooded habitats with suitable nesting branches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small flycatcher found only in Jamaica, the Jamaican pewee often hunts by sallying out from exposed perches to snatch flying insects. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Greater Antillean pewee but is now recognized as a distinct species. Its plaintive, descending 'pee-wee' call is a helpful field clue, especially at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, defending small feeding territories. During breeding, pairs construct a small cup nest on a horizontal branch or in a fork, often well shaded. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, descending 'pee-wee' or 'pee-yer' repeated at intervals, most frequent at dawn and dusk. Calls include thin, squeaky notes and sharp chips given during foraging or agitation.
Plumage
Dull olive-brown upperparts with slightly paler, grayish-olive underparts and a faintly washed buff belly; wings dusky with weak, pale wing bars. Throat tends to be paler, giving a subtle contrast with the breast. Slightly crested silhouette with a broad-based bill and pale lower mandible.
Diet
Primarily small flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and wasps. It hunts by aerial hawking, launching from an exposed perch to snatch prey, and occasionally gleans from foliage. It may supplement with spiders and other small arthropods.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gaps, and clearings where open airspace allows efficient aerial sallies. Often uses perches on dead snags, utility wires, or outer canopy branches with good visibility.
