Sierran Elaenia

Overview

The sierran elaenia (Elaenia pallatangae) is a small bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. It is found in the Andean regions of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, where it inhabits humid montane forests and scrubby edges. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population.

Identification

• Measures 14 to 15 cm in length and weighs between 12 and 18 g.
• Adults feature olive upperparts, a dusky olive tail, and wings with two yellowish-white bars on the closed wing.
• Underparts range from yellowish olive to pale yellow, with yellowish lores and eyerings.
• Song consists of a 'burry djee'wee interspersed with an occasional sneezy tjrr' at dawn and a 'pure rising-falling peew' during the day.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits scrubby edges and rocky openings in humid montane forest within subtropical and temperate zones, as well as brushy pastures and secondary forest. It occupies elevations ranging from 1,100 to 3,500 m across its range in the Western, Central, and Eastern Andes. The species is a year-round resident throughout its distribution.

Diet

Feeds on insects and small fruits, particularly those of Melastomataceae and mistletoe (Loranthaceae). It forages at all levels of the forest, often joining mixed-species feeding flocks. It finds food mainly by gleaning while perched.

Did you know?

For much of the twentieth century, what are now the two subspecies of the tepui elaenia were treated as subspecies of the sierran elaenia, with the tepui elaenia not being recognised as a separate species until about 2008.