Elaenia mesoleuca
The Olivaceous Elaenia (*Elaenia mesoleuca*) is a small, unobtrusive tyrant flycatcher, measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length with a weight typically ranging from 11-15 grams. Its plumage is characterized by dull olive-green upperparts, a whitish throat, and a pale yellow to whitish belly, often appearing subtly stained with olive. Key field marks include two distinct whitish wing-bars on dark wings, and a very faint, short whitish supraloral stripe. While a subtle crest...
Found in forest edges, open woodlands, secondary growth, riverine forests, and plantations, typically at low to mid-elevations up to 1200 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various insects (beetles, flies, ants, caterpillars) obtained through sally-gleaning, but also consumes small fruits, especially from mistletoe species.
The Olivaceous Elaenia exhibits diurnal activity, typically foraging throughout the day from perches within the mid-story to subcanopy of its preferred habitats. Its primary foraging strategy is sally-gleaning: it perches quietly, scans for prey, and then darts out to snatch insects from the air ...
The Olivaceous Elaenia is a resident species found exclusively in southeastern South America. Its primary range encompasses a significant portion of southeastern Brazil, extending from southern Bahia southwards through Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Gra...
Least Concern
- The Olivaceous Elaenia's subtle plumage makes its distinctive, often melancholic, whistle-like song the most reliable way to identify it in the field. - It is a monotypic species, meaning it has no recognized subspecies across its relatively broad range. - As a member of the *Elaenia* genus, it...