Forest Elaenia

Overview

The forest elaenia (Myiopagis gaimardii) is a small passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 12.7 cm with a weight of 12.2 g, featuring olive-green upperparts and brown wings with two yellow wing bars.
• Blackish crown with a partly concealed white or pale yellow central stripe, accompanied by a weak whitish supercilium and white eyering.
• Long narrow bill that is black above and pink-based below, with a breast that is greenish-yellow shading to yellow on the belly.
• A sharp pitch-weep call.

Habitat

Found in forests and the edges of mangrove swamps, breeding from Panama through Colombia, Venezuela and the Guianas to Bolivia and Brazil, with an additional presence on Trinidad.

Diet

Forages in higher levels of the foliage to catch insects and spiders, and also frequently consumes berries. Typically seen alone or in pairs, perching inconspicuously while hunting.

Did you know?

The Trinidad subspecies (M. g. trinitatis) is notably larger and possesses duller upper parts compared to mainland forms.