Forest Elaenia

The forest elaenia, known scientifically as Myiopagis gaimardii, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. An adult typically measures 12.7 cm in length and tips the scales at a mere 12.2 grams. It boasts an olive-green upper body, while its wings are brown with a touch of yellow along the feather edges and two distinct yellow wing bars. The head is adorned with a blackish crown, featuring a white or pale yellow central stripe that is often hidden, and a faint whitish supercilium coupled with a white eyering. The underparts present a gradation from a whitish throat to a greenish-yellow breast, transitioning to a yellow belly. The bill is long and narrow, with a black upper mandible and a pinkish base below. Both sexes share a similar appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the forest elaenia, look for the partly concealed white or pale yellow central stripe on the crown, the weak whitish supercilium, and the distinctive yellow wing bars. The combination of olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts, along with the specific bill coloration, can help distinguish it from other species.

Habitat

This species thrives in forests and is also known to inhabit the fringes of mangrove swamps, where it can be found flitting about in the foliage.

Distribution

The forest elaenia has a broad range, breeding from Panama through Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas, extending to Bolivia and Brazil. It is also a resident of Trinidad.

Behaviour

Forest elaenias are typically observed alone or in pairs. They are inconspicuous birds that engage in catching insects and spiders in the higher levels of the foliage. They are also known to consume berries.

Song & Calls

The call of the forest elaenia is a sharp "pitch-weep," a distinctive sound that can aid birdwatchers in locating these elusive creatures.

Breeding

The nest of the forest elaenia is a shallow cup constructed from roots, bark, and grass, strategically placed within a tree. The typical clutch consists of two cream-colored eggs, which are beautifully marked with rufous and lavender.

Similar Species

The subspecies M. g. trinitatis, endemic to Trinidad, is larger and has duller upper parts compared to its mainland counterparts, which may be a point of confusion for birdwatchers.

Diet and Feeding

In addition to their insectivorous pursuits, forest elaenias have a penchant for berries, which form a significant part of their diet.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the forest elaenia as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.