The Caribbean elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in the West Indies, in parts of Central America, and on islands just off the northern South American coast.
Region
Caribbean and adjacent coasts
Typical Environment
Found widely across the West Indies, parts of Central America’s Caribbean slope, and islands off northern South America. Occupies coastal scrub, dry and semi-evergreen forests, thickets, mangroves, plantations, and urban edges. It tolerates fragmented habitats and is common in secondary growth. On many islands it is one of the most frequently encountered small flycatchers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Caribbean elaenia is a small tyrant flycatcher that often raises a slight crest when alert. It frequently perches in exposed spots to sally for insects and will also take small fruits, helping disperse seeds. Its subtle plumage makes it easy to confuse with other elaenias, so voice is often key to identification. It adapts well to edges, scrub, and human-modified habitats across many Caribbean islands.
Caribbean elaenia in southwestern Puerto Rico
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; forms family groups after breeding. Nests are small open cups placed in shrubs or trees. Pairs defend territories during the breeding season, with simple courtship displays and frequent vocalizations.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and short phrases, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp chips and soft tsip notes, repeated at regular intervals.
Plumage
Olive-gray upperparts with paler gray face and whitish throat; underparts whitish to pale yellow wash on belly and flanks; two distinct whitish wingbars; slight erectile crest.
Diet
Takes flying insects by sallying from perches and also gleans from foliage. Supplements with small fruits and berries, especially in the non-breeding season. Occasionally feeds on small arthropods flushed from vegetation. This mixed diet allows it to thrive in varied habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, scrublands, mangrove margins, and gardens where perches are abundant. Often uses mid-level to canopy perches with good visibility and darts out to catch prey before returning to the same or nearby perch.
