The Pacific elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Pacific slope of Ecuador and northwest Peru (Tumbes–Chocó–Magdalena ecoregion)
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Ecuador into northwest Peru, mainly within the Tumbesian dry forest belt. Favors tropical dry and semi-humid lowland forests, deciduous woodland, scrubby thickets, and riverine gallery forest. Common along forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and regenerating second growth. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats, though it still relies on tree and shrub cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pacific elaenia is a small tyrant flycatcher of the Tumbesian region on the Pacific slope of Ecuador and northwest Peru. It forages by sallying from perches to catch flying insects and also gleans from foliage. Its soft, whistled phrases can be easy to overlook in the dry forest soundscape, but the species is often detected by its twin pale wingbars and slight crest. It adapts well to forest edges and second growth, which helps keep its population stable.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the non-breeding season. Pairs defend small territories during breeding. The nest is a small cup placed in a fork or suspended among fine twigs, with a typical clutch of two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers soft, whistled phrases and thin, slightly buzzy notes, often given from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp chips and short trills, most frequent at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler olive-wash underparts and a whitish throat; faintly grayish crown with a slight, bushy crest. Two distinct pale wingbars on dusky wings; tail dusky with subtle olive tones.
Diet
Primarily small flying insects taken on the wing, including flies, beetles, and small wasps. Also gleans arthropods from leaves and twigs in the midstory and canopy. Occasionally consumes tiny berries during seasonal shortages of insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, light gaps, and semi-open woodlands where perches are available. Often hunts from low to mid-level perches, making short sallies into sunlit openings.
