White-crested Elaenia

The White-crested Elaenia, a member of the Tyrannidae family, is a small bird with a rather unassuming yet distinctive appearance. It sports a predominantly dull green plumage on its upper parts and a contrasting whitish underbelly. A notable feature is its semi-concealed white crown, which gives rise to its name, and the pale wing bars visible on the greater and median wing coverts. This bird maintains an upright posture and has a slightly crested look. Its size ranges from 13.5 to 15 cm in length, and it weighs between 12.5 and 24.3 grams, with an average weight of around 16.3 grams.

Identification Tips

The White-crested Elaenia's white crown center, wing bars, and overall coloration are key distinguishing features. Observers should note its upright stance and the way it carries its crest.

Habitat

The White-crested Elaenia is found in a variety of wooded habitats, including temperate forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, and areas of heavily degraded former forest. It prefers forest edges, second growth, and scrub within its breeding range in the Andes.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across southern and western South America. It is a permanent resident in the central and southwestern coastal Andean region, including Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and northernmost Chile. It is also found throughout most of Argentina, southern and central Chile, and Tierra del Fuego. During the austral winter, it becomes a non-breeding resident in northeast Brazil, the Amazon Basin, and the Amazonian Andes regions. Occasionally, it is seen as a vagrant in the Falkland Islands and has been reported in North America.

Behaviour

The White-crested Elaenia is typically solitary but may gather in groups, especially when not breeding, at fruiting trees with other frugivores. It has been observed in aggregations of up to 100 individuals during migration. The species is known to consume a variety of foods, including small insects, grass, berries, seeds, and nuts.

Diet and Feeding

While not breeding, the White-crested Elaenia regularly consumes small fruit but also includes small insects in its diet. Its feeding habits are adaptable, and it takes advantage of a wide range of available food sources.

Similar Species

The White-crested Elaenia can be mistaken for the Small-billed Elaenia, Lesser Elaenia, and Sierran Elaenia. Observers should carefully note the bird's distinctive white crown and wing bars for accurate identification.

Conservation status

The White-crested Elaenia is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.