Moluccan Goshawk

Small flycatcher found in dry and semi-humid forest in western Ecuador and western Peru. It is mostly gray with pale wingbars and a small crest. Some birds show a small amount of yellow on the belly. Prefers drier habitats than Eastern Wood-Pewee and Western Wood-Pewee, and only rarely found together with them. Tropical Pewee has shorter wings, a longer tail, and may show a faint spot between the eye and bill. Voice is very distinctive. Typical song in most of its range is a clear, whistled “pee, wee”; occasionally more notes are given. In the Marañón Valley it gives a different “chee-wit” or “chee-chee-widit”. Often encountered on an exposed branch, from which it makes regular sallies to hunt insects. It may return to the same perch repeatedly. Formerly considered a subspecies of Tropical Pewee.

Distinctive, energetic bird of secondary forest, river edges, and disturbed habitats. Note iridescent green plumage with rusty belly, long pointed bill, and active behavior. Often found in pairs or small groups within a few meters of the ground. Feeds on flying insects, which it catches in mid-air from a prominent perch; often returns to same perch to dispatch and consume prey. Frequently gives loud, squeaking call.

The only tapaculo found in the Perijá Mountains, which straddle the Colombia-Venezuela border north of the main chain of the Andes. Adult is gray with brown rump and lower underparts. Female is slightly washed with brown and young birds are heavily barred. Skulks in cloud forest understory as well as dense stands of bushes above tree line. Typical song is a very long series of rising, frog-like trills.