The Greater Antillean elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.
Region
Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
Occurs on Jamaica and Hispaniola in a variety of wooded habitats, including montane and submontane broadleaf forest, pine forest, forest edges, and shaded plantations such as coffee. It favors semi-open canopies and secondary growth where it can sally for insects from exposed perches. The species also uses scrub and thickets near forest, especially after disturbance. It is generally more common at higher elevations but can descend to lower foothills seasonally or locally.
Altitude Range
100–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Greater Antillean elaenia is a small tyrant flycatcher found only on Jamaica and Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti). It is often detected by its sharp, whistled calls more than by sight as it forages in the mid-canopy. Two subspecies are recognized, with slight differences between Jamaica and Hispaniola. By eating small fruits as well as insects, it likely contributes to local seed dispersal.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories, especially in the breeding season. Nests are shallow cup nests placed on horizontal forks or in dense foliage, typically a few meters above ground. Clutch size is small, and both adults likely participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled phrases and sharp, clipped notes delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include thin chips and short squeaky whistles, often repeated at intervals.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a slightly crested grayish head, pale throat, and yellow-washed underparts. Two distinct whitish wing bars and pale edging on the wings. Plumage is relatively plain but with soft contrast between gray head and olive back.
Diet
Feeds primarily on flying and gleaned insects such as beetles, flies, and caterpillars, captured by short sallies from exposed perches. It also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging involves both hawking in open gaps and gleaning from leaves and twigs.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in forest edge, secondary growth, and semi-open mid-canopy, but also uses shaded plantations and scrubby clearings near forest. Perches are typically at mid to upper levels where visibility for sallying is good.
