The highland elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andes from southern Ecuador through Peru and Bolivia into northwestern Argentina. It typically inhabits montane and cloud forest edges, shrubby clearings, riparian corridors, and second-growth woodlands. The species readily uses disturbed habitats and forest borders near human settlements. Within these habitats it forages in the midstory to canopy, often returning to the same exposed perch. Local elevational movements occur seasonally in parts of its range.
Altitude Range
1000–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often called Highland Elaenia by some authorities, this species is also widely known as the Sierran Elaenia. It is notoriously hard to identify by sight because several elaenia species look similar; voice is the most reliable clue. It favors edges and secondary growth where it perches conspicuously to sally for insects.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent short sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Breeds in the austral spring–summer, building a small cup nest placed in a fork or on a horizontal branch. Both parents are believed to participate in feeding the young. Territorial behavior is most evident during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of simple, sharp, whistled phrases often given at dawn, interspersed with buzzy notes. Calls include thin, squeaky chips and short, rising whistles, repeated from a prominent perch.
