The mottle-backed elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin and Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Colombia through eastern Ecuador and Peru to northern Bolivia, mainly along the Andean foothills and adjacent upper Amazonia. It favors humid to wet forest edges, secondary growth, and semi-open woodland with scattered trees. Birds are most often encountered in the midstory to canopy, including along riverine corridors and landslide or gap edges. It tolerates some disturbance and often uses regenerating habitats near primary forest.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A subtly marked tyrant flycatcher, the mottle-backed elaenia is often identified more easily by voice than by looks. Its mottled upperparts and strong whitish wingbars help separate it from similar elaenias in Andean foothill forests. Like many elaenias, it frequently flicks its wings and tail while foraging and gives nasal, wheezy phrases that carry through the midstory.
Mottle-backed elaenia at Garzacocha, Sucumbios, Equador
Temperament
quiet and somewhat shy, often unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Builds a small cup nest placed on horizontal forks or dense foliage. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding period but may range more widely when feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of nasal, wheezy phrases and plaintive whistles, often delivered from a semi-exposed perch. Calls include short, buzzy notes and thin tseet contact calls, repeated at intervals.
Plumage
Olive-gray to brownish-olive upperparts with a distinctly mottled or scaly-looking back and mantle; underparts grayish with a paler throat and lightly washed olive flanks. Two bold whitish wingbars and edged wing coverts give a barred-wing look. Slight bushy crest can be raised when alert.
Diet
Takes small flying and gleaned insects such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars, captured by short sallies from perches. Also consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally hawks for aerial prey above the canopy gaps.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, canopy gaps, and in secondary growth where perches and fruiting shrubs are abundant. Uses midstory to subcanopy perches to scan for prey and fruit clusters.
