Elaenia olivina
The Tepui Elaenia (Elaenia olivina) is a distinctive member of the tyrant flycatcher family, Tyrannidae, endemic to the unique tepui mountains of the Guiana Shield. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 12-15 grams, this small passerine exhibits an olive-green plumage on its upperparts, contrasting with a pale yellow belly and whitish throat. Key field marks include a prominent white eye-ring, two distinct whitish wing-bars, and a subtle crest which i...
Found exclusively in the high-altitude, stunted forests, dense scrub, and forest edges of the tepui plateaus, typically above 1000 meters and up to 2800 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various small insects caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation, supplemented with small fruits and berries.
The Tepui Elaenia is a diurnal bird, generally observed singly or in pairs, actively foraging during the day. Its foraging strategy involves short, agile sallies to catch insects in mid-air (flycatching) or gleaning them from foliage, often perching on exposed branches. While specific territorial...
The Tepui Elaenia is strictly endemic to the isolated tepui formations of the Guiana Shield in northern South America. Its breeding and year-round range encompasses southeastern Venezuela, western Guyana, and extreme northern Brazil. In Venezuela, it is found across numerous tepuis in Bolívar and...
Least Concern
- The Tepui Elaenia is a true 'sky island' specialist, endemic to the tabletop mountains of the Guiana Shield, which are isolated ecosystems. - Its scientific name 'olivina' refers to its olive-green coloration, a common trait among many Elaenia species. - There are two recognized subspecies: E. ...