Slaty Elaenia (Elaenia strepera)

Identification & Behavior: ~15.5 cm (6.1 in). The Slaty Elaenia is all dusky gray with a pale center of the belly. It shows a poorly defined gray fringing on the wing coverts but no noticeable wing bars. It has a bushy crest with a semi-concealed white crown patch. The juvenile is lighter gray with a pale belly and two well-fined rufous wing bars. It forages in forest edges, second growth, and river islands. The distinctive dark plumage separates it from other Elaenias in Amazonia. The larger and lighter colored Brownish Elaenia is restricted to river islands along the Amazon and Napo Rivers.

Status: The Slaty Elaenia is a rare Austral migrant in Amazonia expected during the months of March through October. It also occurs in Co and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Fío-Fío Pizarroso.

Sub-species: Slaty Elaenia (Elaenia strepera), Cabanis, 1883.

Meaning of Name: Elaenia: Gr. elaineos= of olive-oil, oleaginous. strepera: L. strepere= to make a loud noise, streperus= noisy.

See more of the Family Tyrannidae