The small-billed elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in every mainland South American country except Chile, plus Aruba and Trinidad.
Region
South America and southern Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs across most of mainland South America except Chile, and extends to nearby islands such as Trinidad and Aruba. Breeds mainly in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and northern Argentina, then migrates north to the Amazon Basin, Guianas, Venezuela, and Colombia in the non-breeding season. Favors open woodlands, forest edges, gallery forests, savanna with scattered trees, scrub, second growth, and plantations. It also adapts to parks and gardens with suitable tree cover. Often found near watercourses and along forest-farm ecotones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An austral migrant, it breeds in southern South America and moves northward after the breeding season, reaching the Amazon Basin and even islands like Trinidad and Aruba. It is notoriously tricky to identify by sight and is best separated from similar elaenias by voice and subtle bill and wingbar details. Often seen sallying from exposed perches, it also quietly gleans in foliage when fruiting trees are available.
Temperament
active and somewhat inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically in pairs during breeding; outside the breeding season may join loose flocks or mixed-species foraging parties. Builds a small cup nest low to mid-level in trees or shrubs. Both parents participate in care. Territorial in breeding areas but more tolerant in non-breeding flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song and calls are thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaky phrases, often delivered from semi-exposed perches. Vocalizations are key for identification and include short, repeated notes with distinctive cadence.
Plumage
Olive-gray upperparts with paler gray face and throat, and whitish underparts often washed yellowish on the belly. Two narrow whitish wingbars and dusky wings; faint crest sometimes raised. Overall plain, with soft contrasts rather than bold patterns.
Diet
Primarily catches small flying insects by sallying from exposed perches. Also hawks or glean-insects from foliage and branches. Consumes small berries and other soft fruits, especially in the non-breeding season when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging is opportunistic and often tied to fruiting trees and insect swarms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, riparian corridors, second growth, and open woodlands where perches overlook gaps. Frequently uses mid to upper canopy layers and edges of clearings, as well as plantations and parklands.
