Elaenia martinica
The Caribbean Elaenia, *Elaenia martinica*, is a diminutive yet widespread tyrant-flycatcher, typically measuring 12.5-15 cm (5-6 inches) in length and weighing around 12-18 grams. Its plumage is a subtle olive-grey to olive-brown dorsally, contrasting with a dull whitish throat and belly, often washed with pale yellow on the flanks and undertail coverts. Key identification features include two prominent white wing-bars, a faint white eye-ring, and a partially concealed white crown patch, whi...
Primarily found in open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, scrublands, gardens, and cultivated areas, often near human habitation. It typically occupies low to mid-elevations, though it can occur at higher altitudes on mountainous islands.
The diet consists mainly of insects, including flies, beetles, and wasps, captured by sallying from a perch or gleaning from foliage. They also consume a significant amount of small berries and fruits, making them important seed dispersers.
A diurnal and active bird, the Caribbean Elaenia primarily forages during daylight hours, often perching conspicuously on exposed branches before darting out. Its foraging strategy combines active flycatching, sallying out to snatch insects in mid-air, with gleaning small arthropods and berries f...
The Caribbean Elaenia is a widespread resident across the majority of the Lesser Antilles and parts of the Greater Antilles, extending its breeding and year-round presence from Puerto Rico eastward and southward. Its distribution encompasses islands such as St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, Culebr...
Least Concern
- The Caribbean Elaenia has at least 14 recognized subspecies, each often restricted to a particular island or small group of islands, showcasing local adaptation. - Despite its widespread distribution, it is rarely seen straying far from its island habitats, making vagrant records outside the Ca...