The great elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield tepuis (southern Venezuela and adjacent northern Brazil)
Typical Environment
Occurs on and around tepui summits and adjacent high plateaus, using shrubby clearings, elfin forest edges, rocky grassland with scattered bushes, and stunted woodland. It perches conspicuously on exposed branches or snags from which it sallies for prey. In some sites it also uses ecotones between tepui scrub and mossy forest. Local densities can be patchy, reflecting the fragmented, island-like nature of tepui habitats.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great elaenia is a highland tyrant flycatcher of the Guiana Shield tepuis, where it favors shrubby edges and elfin forest. It often raises its small crest when alert and makes short sallies to catch insects from exposed perches. Its whistled, slightly wheezy song is a key field clue amid the tepui soundscape. Like many elaenias, it also takes small berries when available.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories on suitable tepui habitat. Builds a small cup nest placed in a fork of a shrub or small tree. Both parents are believed to participate in provisioning the young. Outside breeding, may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks along edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of clear, slightly wheezy whistles, often given in short phrases from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp chips and soft tsee notes used during foraging and contact.
Plumage
Olive-tinged brown upperparts with a small, often raised crest; pale grayish face and throat; dusky wings with two distinct pale wingbars; underparts grayish to pale with a slight yellowish wash on the belly.
Diet
Takes flying and perched insects such as beetles, flies, and moths, captured by short aerial sallies or gleaned from foliage. Also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insect activity is reduced. Occasionally hawks low over shrubs and returns to the same perch.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shrub edges, open tepui scrub, and the margins of elfin or mossy forest where perches are plentiful. Often uses exposed snags and bush tops overlooking clearings and rocky outcrops.
