Coopmans's elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Northwest South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Chocó biogeographic region and adjacent Andean foothills of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Prefers humid to very wet forest, edges, and tall secondary growth with scattered canopy gaps. Often uses riparian corridors, overgrown clearings, and forest borders near human-modified landscapes. It forages from the understory to mid-canopy and occasionally in the subcanopy where perches are exposed for short sallies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Coopmans's elaenia is a small tyrant flycatcher of the subfamily Elaeniinae, known for being extremely similar in appearance to related elaenias and best identified by its voice. It inhabits humid forests of western Colombia and Ecuador, particularly in the Chocó and Andean foothills. Like many elaenias, it sally-gleans for insects and also takes small fruits, helping disperse seeds. Vocalizations are key for separation from look-alike species in the field.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, defending small foraging territories. Often joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory where it follows ant-like activity or flushes insects from foliage. Nests are typically small cups placed in forks or suspended on horizontal branches, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of sharp, whistled phrases delivered in short series, often with a distinctive cadence and spacing compared with similar elaenias. Calls include thin, buzzy or squeaky notes given from exposed perches.
Plumage
Plain olive-green upperparts with slightly paler, grayish-olive crown and nape; underparts dull whitish to pale yellow-tinged with grayish breast; two narrow whitish wing bars on contrasting dusky wings; faint or concealed pale crest typical of elaenias.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small flying and sedentary insects such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars, captured by short sallies or gleaned from foliage. Also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially during periods of lower insect availability. This mixed diet is typical of many elaenias and supports an important role in seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gaps, and semi-open midstory where visibility for short hawking flights is good. Frequently uses riparian edges, secondary growth, and tall scrub with scattered trees.
