The white-throated pewee is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname.
Region
The Guianas and northeastern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found in lowland tropical rainforests of Brazil (northeastern Amazonia), French Guiana, and Suriname. It prefers mature, humid forest with a closed canopy and light gaps. The species is most frequently encountered in the upper canopy and along forest edges or riverine corridors. It can occur locally where suitable tall forest persists but is scarce in heavily fragmented areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-throated pewee is a canopy-dwelling tyrant flycatcher that is often detected by its clear, whistled calls rather than by sight. It typically hunts by sallying out from shaded perches to catch flying insects. Because it favors tall, intact rainforest, it can be elusive and hard to observe for long.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from high perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small feeding territories high in the canopy. It perches quietly, making short aerial sallies to capture prey before returning to the same or nearby perch. Nesting is presumed similar to other Contopus, with a small cup placed on a horizontal branch in forest interior.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, plaintive, whistled notes, often descending and spaced at regular intervals. Calls are thin and carry well through the canopy, aiding detection even when the bird is hidden.
