The foothill elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes (eastern foothills)
Typical Environment
Occurs along the humid foothills on the eastern slope of the Andes, primarily in Ecuador with occurrences in adjacent southern Colombia and northern Peru. It favors mature and secondary evergreen forest, forest edges, and riparian corridors. The species generally keeps to the mid-story to canopy and often forages along edges and gaps. It tolerates some disturbance but declines where foothill forest is heavily fragmented.
Altitude Range
600–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The foothill elaenia is a small tyrant flycatcher of humid Andean foothill forests, where it can be inconspicuous and easiest to detect by voice. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy and edges. Habitat loss in foothill zones has led to conservation concern for this localized species.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the canopy and edges. Nests are presumed to be small cups placed in foliage, with breeding in the local wet season. Territorial singing males often use semi-exposed perches at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A distinctive, high-pitched, tinkling series of thin notes, often delivered in short phrases. Calls include sharp, thin tsip or tsee notes. The song is a primary field mark for separating it from similar elaenias.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with grayish crown and nape, pale whitish throat, and yellowish to pale olive underparts. Two distinct whitish wingbars and dusky-edged wing coverts give a slightly barred look. Overall soft, plain coloration; best separated from similar elaenias by voice.
Diet
Primarily small flying and foliage-dwelling insects, including flies, beetles, and small caterpillars. It gleans methodically among leaves and makes short sallies to snatch prey. Occasional ingestion of small berries may occur, especially in mixed flocks when insects are less active.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story to canopy of humid foothill forest, along edges, gaps, and riparian vegetation. Often uses semi-open foliage near forest margins where insect activity is high.
