Mountain Elaenia

The Mountain Elaenia, scientifically known as Elaenia frantzii, is a modestly sized member of the tyrant flycatcher family. This avian species, named in honor of the German physician and naturalist Alexander von Frantzius, measures between 14 to 15 centimeters in length and tips the scales at a delicate 17 to 20 grams. Its plumage is a study in understatement: the upperparts are a muted olive, while a narrow white eye ring adds a touch of brightness. The wings are a dusky hue, adorned with narrow yellow feather edges and two subtle off-white wing bars. The throat and breast blend into a yellowish grey, transitioning to a dull yellow belly. Both male and female Mountain Elaenias share a similar appearance, though the juveniles can be distinguished by their browner upperparts, paler undersides, and more vivid wing bars.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Mountain Elaenia, look for its olive upperparts and the distinctive narrow white eye ring. The wings are marked by yellow feather edges and two off-white bars. The underparts are a gradient from yellowish grey at the throat to dull yellow at the belly. The bird's small stature and these coloration patterns are key to its identification.

Habitat

The Mountain Elaenia is a denizen of highland forests, showing a preference for the wet mountainous regions. It thrives at the forest edges, in clearings, and in areas of secondary growth. Semi-open landscapes and pastures dotted with trees also provide suitable habitats for this species.

Distribution

This bird's range extends from the highlands of Guatemala through to Colombia and western Venezuela. It is a resident breeder in these areas, adapting well to the varying altitudes of its mountainous homes.

Behaviour

The Mountain Elaenia is a solitary creature outside of the breeding season. It is known for its inconspicuous nature, often identified by its slurred "peeeeur" call, which is longer than that of the mistletoe tyrannulet, and its repetitive "d'weet d'weet" song.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Mountain Elaenia include a slurred "peeeeur" call and a song that consists of a repetitive "d'weet d'weet." These sounds are characteristic of the species and can be helpful in its identification.

Breeding

Breeding occurs at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,900 meters. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest from mosses, liverworts, and lichens, lining it with plant fibers. This nest is placed 2 to 15 meters above ground in a tree or bamboo. The female then incubates the two cinnamon-blotched whitish eggs for 15 to 16 days until they hatch.

Feeding

The Mountain Elaenia is an active forager, sallying from shaded perches to snatch insects, spiders, and a variety of berries and seeds mid-flight. It is not averse to descending to the ground to feed when the opportunity arises.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Mountain Elaenia as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.