Greenish Elaenia

The Greenish Elaenia is a small flycatcher species with a normal range from Central Mexico, southward through Central America, and into much of South America.  In the United States they were unknown until a specimen was identified in Texas in 1984.

Habitat: Found in a variety of forested habitats, including tropical and sub-tropical forests and second-growth forests.  Usually found around forest edges and clearings.

Diet: Feeds on insects and berries.

Behavior: Forages by flitting through the canopy, often quite high, and gleaning insects and spiders from the foliage.  Often quite active while foraging, but will also sometimes observe from a perch and fly out to grab insects when spotted, or simply grab insects while perched.

Song: Song of a Greenish Elaenia is a chu-zoo, often repeated over and over again.

Migration: Considered a permanent resident throughout most of its range.

Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Greenish Elaenia sightings

Conservation Status: Populations are found over a wide geographic area, they are common in parts of their range, and numbers appear to be stable.  The IUCN lists the Greenish Elaenia as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) BirdLife International - Greenish Elaenia

2) Cornell's Neotropical Birds - Greenish Elaenia

Photo Information: Photo taken by Ron Knight - March 17th, 2010 - San Blas Nayarit, Mexico - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

 

Click below for a higher-resolution map

South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota

Additional White-crested Elaenia Photos (coming soon!!)