The Amazonian elaenia or Amazonian grey elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, though there is only a single sight record in Suriname.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through lowland Amazonia in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas, with only sparse records in Suriname. It is most frequent along forest edges, secondary growth, river islands, and gallery woodlands. Uses várzea and other seasonally flooded habitats as well as terra firme edges and clearings. Generally avoids the dense interior of tall primary forest, keeping to more open and midstory zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Amazonian gray elaenia, this small tyrant flycatcher is widespread across the Amazon Basin but can be tricky to identify among similar elaenias. Voice is often the best clue: a series of thin, high, slightly buzzy notes. It favors forest edges, riverine woodlands, and early successional habitats, often joining mixed-species flocks. A pale eyering and two whitish wingbars help separate it from look-alikes.
Temperament
alert but unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks along edges and midstory. Nests are small cups placed in forks or on horizontal branches; clutch size is typically two eggs. Both adults participate in territorial defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched, slightly buzzy notes delivered in short phrases. Calls include sharp chips and soft tsee notes, often repeated from a midstory perch.
Plumage
Upperparts gray-olive with a slightly darker crown; underparts pale gray to whitish with a faint yellowish wash on the belly. Two distinct whitish wingbars on dark wings and a narrow pale eyering. Feathers appear smooth and neat, with a subtle, sometimes raised, tiny crest.
Diet
Primarily takes small flying and crawling insects, captured by short sallies from exposed perches or gleaned from foliage. Will occasionally snatch small arthropods from leaves and twigs. Fruits and small berries may be taken opportunistically, especially in the dry season.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, river margins, clearings with scattered trees, and secondary growth. Often forages at midstory to canopy edge, moving methodically between perches.
