Contopus ochraceus
The Ochraceous Pewee, *Contopus ochraceus*, is a distinctive member of the Tyrannidae family, a group of New World flycatchers. Measuring approximately 13-15 cm (5.1-5.9 inches) in length with a weight of 12-16 grams, this small passerine is notable for its rich, warm ochraceous (yellowish-brown or tawny) underparts, which contrast with its olive-greenish back and head. Subtle pale wing-bars are often present but can be indistinct, and it possesses a relatively long, dark tail. While lacking ...
This species primarily inhabits humid evergreen montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, typically at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 meters (3,000-8,200 feet). It shows a preference for areas with tall trees and dense understory, often along ravines or slopes.
The Ochraceous Pewee is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of flying insects caught in mid-air. Its primary foraging method is sallying from an exposed perch.
The Ochraceous Pewee is a typical tyrant flycatcher, often observed perched upright on an exposed branch, patiently scanning for airborne insects. Its daily activity is diurnal, and it roosts solitarily within the forest canopy. Foraging involves short, energetic sallies from a perch to snatch in...
The Ochraceous Pewee is a resident species found primarily in the humid montane forests of Central America, with its range extending from southern Mexico southeastward through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, reaching its southern limit in western Panama. Within Mexico...
Least Concern
- The Ochraceous Pewee is considered one of the more vibrantly colored species within the *Contopus* genus, which is otherwise known for its subtle, often grayish plumages. - Its distinctive, mournful, two-parted song, often described as "fee-beeeer" or "peee-wee," is a crucial identification clu...