Plain-crested Elaenia

Overview

The plain-crested elaenia, Elaenia cristata, is a species of tyrant flycatcher found across parts of South America. It is a small bird characterised by a conspicuous crest and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A small bird measuring 12.5 to 15 cm in length with a dull olive-brown head and upperparts.
• Features a conspicuous crest, lighter brown cheeks, and a thin whitish eyering.
• Wings are dusky with whitish edges on the flight feathers and two whitish bars on the closed wing coverts.
• Song is described as a raspy 'zree-zree-zuzu' or 'zreeeh dudu', accompanied by calls such as a soft melodious 'wee' and a short rattle.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits savanna, including open park-like woodlands, scrubby areas, and cerrado. Its range extends from Venezuela through the Guianas to eastern Brazil, with isolated populations in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, occurring from sea level up to 1,500 m in some regions.

Diet

Feeds on insects and berries, foraging singly or in pairs usually near the top of shrubs and trees. It mostly gleans prey while perched or while briefly hovering.

Did you know?

The bird breeds between August and December in Minas Gerais, Brazil, using a cup-shaped nest woven from moss and lined with plant wool that holds only one or two eggs.