The greenish elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Mexico, every Central American country, and every mainland South American country except Chile and French Guiana. It has also occurred as a vagrant in southern Texas.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mexico through every country in Central America and across most of mainland South America except Chile and French Guiana, with rare vagrancy to southern Texas. It thrives in forest edges, secondary growth, gallery forests, and semi-open woodlands. The species also occupies savannas with scattered trees, shaded plantations, and riparian corridors. It typically avoids the darkest primary forest interior.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This widespread tyrant flycatcher favors edges and second-growth, where it often flicks its wings and tail while foraging. It can be confused with other small elaenias, but its pale eye ring and two whitish wingbars help separate it. The species ranges from Mexico through Central America to most of South America and has strayed to southern Texas as a vagrant.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent short sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the nonbreeding season. Pairs defend small territories during breeding, building a small cup nest placed in a fork. Parental care is shared, with discreet foraging near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high, slightly buzzy phrases delivered from a perch. Calls include sharp chips and soft, squeaky notes used in contact or alarm. Vocalizations are subtle but persistent at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with grayish wash on the head; whitish throat and breast with a light yellowish tinge on the belly; two clear whitish wingbars and pale edging on wing coverts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, which it gleans from foliage or captures in short aerial sallies. It inspects leaf clusters and branch tips methodically. Occasional small berries or fruits may be taken, especially outside the peak insect season.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, second-growth thickets, hedgerows, and riparian vegetation. Often uses midstory to canopy perches with good visibility for short sallies. Readily exploits semi-open, human-altered habitats with scattered trees.
