Small-billed Elaenia

The small-billed elaenia, Elaenia parvirostris, is a modestly plumaged species of bird belonging to the Tyrannidae family. It is characterized by its small size and relatively unassuming appearance.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the small-billed elaenia, look for a bird with a rather inconspicuous profile. Key features include a slight crest, a pale eye-ring, and a subdued olive-green to greyish coloration on the upperparts. The underparts are lighter, providing a gentle contrast.

Habitat

This species is quite adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments. Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and areas that have undergone significant deforestation and are now heavily degraded.

Distribution

The small-billed elaenia has a broad range across South America. It is found in Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, the Netherlands Antilles, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. There have also been a handful of sightings in the United States.

Behaviour

Observations of the small-billed elaenia's behavior indicate that it is a bird of varied habits, likely engaging in typical flycatcher activities such as sallying forth from perches to catch insects in flight.

Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the small-billed elaenia is classified as Least Concern. This suggests that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a more urgent conservation status.