The yellow-bellied elaenia is a small bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Mexico, in every Central American country, in every mainland South American country except Chile, on Trinidad and Tobago, and on several islands in the Lesser Antilles.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mexico through all of Central America and across most of mainland South America except Chile, and on Trinidad, Tobago, and several Lesser Antilles islands. It favors open woodlands, second-growth, savannas, and agricultural areas, and is a familiar presence in parks and gardens. Often found along forest edges, riparian corridors, and mangroves. Its adaptability allows it to persist in human-modified landscapes as long as scattered trees and shrubs are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-bellied elaenia is a widespread tyrant flycatcher known for its loud, whistled calls and conspicuous yellow underparts. It thrives in open and semi-open habitats, often frequenting gardens, plantations, and forest edges. Its diet mixes insects and small fruits, making it a useful seed disperser. It is adaptable and commonly seen across much of the Neotropics.
Yellow-bellied elaenia in Antón, Panama
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallying from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories, especially in the breeding season. Builds a small cup nest in forks or dense foliage; clutch typically 2–3 eggs. The female performs most incubation while both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, may gather loosely at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal and persistent, giving loud, whistled phrases and squeaky notes, often at dawn. Typical calls include sharp, descending whistles and repeated pee-wee or piu-wee sequences. Songs carry far and help distinguish it from similar elaenia species.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a grayish head and slight erectile crest; underparts are pale with a distinctly yellow belly and vent. Two narrow whitish wingbars and a pale, well-defined supercilium. Throat is whitish to pale gray; back and wings show subtle olive tones.
Diet
Takes flying insects with short sallies from exposed perches and also gleans from foliage. Frequently consumes small berries and other soft fruits, which it swallows whole and later disperses the seeds. Diet composition shifts with availability, often increasing fruit intake in the non-breeding season. Opportunistic around fruiting trees and insect swarms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, gardens, and lightly wooded pastures where perches and open airspace are available. Also uses riparian zones and mangroves, especially where fruiting shrubs are abundant.
