Rufous-crowned Elaenia

Overview

The rufous-crowned elaenia (Elaenia ruficeps) is a small tyrant flycatcher native to the northern and central regions of South America. It has a disjunct distribution spanning from Colombia and Venezuela across the Guianas into Brazil, where it remains a year-round resident.

Identification

• Length of 14.5 to 15 cm with a dark olive-brown head featuring a rufous patch that is usually concealed at the rear of the crest.
• Upperparts are dark olive-brown, while the wings show two whitish bars formed by the tips of the wing coverts.
• Underparts are mostly pale yellow with grayish olive streaks on the throat, breast, and flanks.
• Distinctive vocalisations include an energetic 'tji-tji-rrrrr' and other rattles and trills, often starting with a downslurred 'Wée-of-'.

Habitat

It primarily inhabits landscapes on sandy soils, including stunted forest, savannah with scattered shrubs and palms, cerrado, and gallery forest. The species occurs at elevations up to 1,400 m in Venezuela and mostly below 1,000 m in Brazil. It is considered common in Colombia but uncommon in Venezuela.

Diet

The rufous-crowned elaenia feeds on insects and small fruits. It forages singly or in pairs, usually up to 8 m above the ground, primarily by gleaning from perches or while briefly hovering. Occasionally, it joins mixed-species feeding flocks.

Did you know?

The rufous patch on its crown is usually concealed, becoming visible only at the rear of the crest. Its preferred habitats on sandy soils have hitherto remained mostly unaffected by humans, as these soils do not support agriculture.