The small-headed elaenia, also known as the Brazilian elaenia, is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern and southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. It favors forest edges, gallery woodlands, secondary growth, and scrubby thickets, and will also use shaded parks and plantations. Often keeps to mid-story and canopy edges, moving methodically through foliage. It is more common in semi-open mosaics than in dense interior forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A subtly marked tyrant flycatcher, the small-headed elaenia is best identified by its proportions and voice rather than plumage. Its small head, short crest, and relatively short bill distinguish it from similar elaenias. Vocalizations—soft, whistled phrases—are key for field identification, especially in mixed flocks. It is sometimes called the Brazilian elaenia and frequents edges and secondary growth.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks along edges. Builds a small cup nest in a fork or dense foliage. Likely monogamous during the breeding season, with both parents participating in care. Territorial singing increases in the austral spring.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, whistled notes and brief phrases, often delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include thin, plaintive seee and tchip notes, repeated at intervals.
Plumage
Dull olive-green upperparts with gray-tinged head, pale throat, and grayish to yellow-tinged underparts; two narrow whitish wingbars on dusky wings.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods by sallying and gleaning from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially in the non-breeding season or when insect prey is less abundant. Forages methodically, pausing to scan before short flights.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, riparian thickets, secondary woodland, and shrubby clearings. Often uses mid-story and canopy edges and will visit fruiting trees.
