High up in the Costa Rican canopy, a tiny hunter sits perched, its gaze fixed. This is the Tropical Pewee, a bird as unassuming in appearance as it is impressive in its aerial acrobatics. Often overlooked due to its subtle plumage, the Tropical Pewee is a delightful resident of our mountain retreat, gracing us with its presence throughout the year.

A Tale of Three: Unveiling the Split

For many years, the Tropical Pewee existed as a single species. However, recent taxonomic revisions have identified three distinct birds previously lumped together under one name:

• The Northern Tropical Pewee (Contopus bogotensis): This is the resident pewee you’re likely to encounter at our retreat. Slightly smaller than its southern cousin, it frequents light woodlands, forest edges, and overgrown fields.
• The Southern Tropical Pewee (Contopus cinereus): This pewee prefers the southern regions of Costa Rica, breeding from southern Brazil and Paraguay down to Argentina. It favors the edges of forests and cultivated areas with tall trees.
• The Tumbes Pewee (Contopus punensis): This desert-dwelling pewee inhabits the arid scrublands of northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador.

A Master of Fly-Catching

Despite their subtle differences, all Tropical Pewees share a remarkable talent for catching insects in mid-air. From their perch, they launch themselves out on short sallies, snapping up flying prey with remarkable dexterity. Their short, broad beaks are perfectly adapted for snatching these tiny morsels.

Watching a Tropical Pewee hunt is a mesmerizing display. Their quick bursts of flight and acrobatic maneuvers are a testament to their exceptional eyesight and aerial prowess.

Spotting Your Tiny Treasure

The Tropical Pewee may not be the most vibrantly colored bird, but its subtle beauty lies in its delicate features. Here’s what to look for:

• Size and Shape: A small bird, around 5.5 inches long with a short beak and a slightly peaked head.
• Coloration: Predominantly grayish-brown with two faint whitish wing bars. The underparts are slightly paler, with some individuals showing a yellowish tinge to the belly. Look for a pale spot between the bill and the eye, though this may not be prominent on all birds.
• Behavior: Tropical Pewees are typically seen perched on branches in the mid-story of the forest. They are alert and constantly flicking their tails. Their most diagnostic feature is their vocalization: a sharp “chipeer” call or a series of rapid chip notes.

A Delightful Denizen of the Mountains

The Tropical Pewee is a vital part of the Costa Rican ecosystem, keeping insect populations in check. At our mountain retreat, their presence adds to the symphony of the forest. While they may not be the flashiest birds, their understated elegance and impressive hunting skills make them a true delight to encounter.

Keep an ear out for their calls and an eye out for their acrobatic displays. The Tropical Pewee, a tiny master of the skies, awaits your discovery!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)