The mountain elaenia is a small passerine bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela.
Region
Central America and northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica south through Panama into Colombia and Venezuela. Prefers montane cloud forests, edges, and second-growth thickets, and also uses shaded coffee plantations and forested pastures. Frequently forages along forest borders, ravines, and riparian corridors where insects and small fruits are abundant. It is most common in semi-open highland habitats with scattered trees and dense understory.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mountain elaenia is a small tyrant flycatcher of highland forests from Central America into northern South America. It is often identified more by its thin, wheezy calls than by its subtly colored plumage. Typically unobtrusive, it forages from low to mid-canopy edges and second growth, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. It makes a small cup nest and may move upslope or downslope seasonally following food.
Savegre Valley, Costa Rica
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often along forest edges and clearings. Joins mixed-species flocks when foraging, especially in second growth. Builds a small cup nest placed on a forked branch or in dense foliage; clutch is typically two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, wheezy whistles and high, sibilant notes, often repeated in short series. Calls include soft tseet or swee notes and faint buzzy phrases that carry modestly through the forest edge.
