White-crested Elaenia

Overview

The white-crested elaenia (Elaenia albiceps) is a small to medium-sized tyrant flycatcher found in the subtropical and temperate regions of South America. It is a largely resident species, though some subspecies exhibit seasonal movements between the western and eastern slopes of the Andes.

Identification

• A small, 13.5 to 15 cm bird with a dull olive to olive-grey plumage and a small, bushy crest that may have a partially hidden white stripe.
• Features whitish lores and an eyering, along with dusky wings marked by two distinct white wing bars on the coverts.
• Possesses a black or dark grey bill with a pale base to the mandible, dark brown irises, and black or dark grey legs.
• Vocalisations vary by subspecies but include series of burry, rising-falling notes such as djww'awee and djeewee, accompanied by calls like a descending wheer or peeur.

Habitat

This species inhabits the edges of subtropical and temperate forests, the interior of open woodlands, secondary forests, and scrublands, often favouring drier intermontane valleys. Its range covers parts of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, at elevations reaching up to 3,500 m in Peru.

Diet

The diet comprises insects and fruit, with the bird typically foraging singly, although it occasionally joins mixed-species feeding flocks. It captures prey and plucks fruit by gleaning while perched and briefly hovering.

Did you know?

The oldest known individual recorded through banding studies was eight years and two months old, though it is uncertain if this represents the maximum potential longevity of the species.