Elaenia strepera
The Slaty Elaenia, *Elaenia strepera*, is a medium-sized tyrant flycatcher, measuring approximately 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length and weighing around 14-19 grams. Its plumage is characterized by slaty-gray to olive-gray upperparts, contrasting with an off-white to pale yellowish belly, and it possesses two distinct white wing bars. A small, often concealed white or yellowish coronal patch (crest) on its head is a subtle but key field mark, along with its dark bill that typically has a pal...
Breeds in humid montane and cloud forests at elevations of 1500-2800 meters in the Andes. During the non-breeding season, it descends to lowland humid evergreen rainforests, typically below 1000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, catching insects through sallying and gleaning; supplements its diet with small fruits and berries, especially during the non-breeding season.
The Slaty Elaenia is a diurnal and highly active bird, primarily observed foraging during daylight hours. Its foraging strategy involves sallying from an open perch to snatch flying insects in mid-air or gleaning invertebrates directly from foliage. During the non-breeding season, it frequently j...
The Slaty Elaenia has a well-defined migratory range across South America. Its breeding grounds are restricted to the humid montane forests and cloud forests of the Andean foothills, extending from southern Bolivia (departments of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz) south through western Paraguay...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, *Elaenia strepera*, translates roughly to 'noisy Elaenia,' a nod to its distinctive, sometimes buzzy calls. - Unlike many tropical residents, the Slaty Elaenia is a true long-distance migrant, traveling hundreds of kilometers and thousands of meters in elevation annually. -...