Yellow-bellied Elaenia
The Yellow-bellied Elaenia is a small, plain-colored flycatcher found in open woodlands, forest edges, and semi-open habitats from Central America through South America to northern Argentina, characterized by its olive-gray upperparts, pale yellow belly, white eye-ring, and two white wing bars, often detected by its distinctive wheezy calls as it actively forages for insects and…
Elaenia flavogaster
Scientific Name
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
Family
Passeriformes
Order
E. f. subpagana
Subspecies. From southern Mexico through Central America
Range and Habitat of Yellow-bellied Elaenia
Geographic Range
The Yellow-bellied Elaenia has an extensive range from southern Mexico through Central America including all countries to Panama, and throughout South America including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
Migratory Patterns
The Yellow-bellied Elaenia is largely resident in Costa Rica, though some populations show local seasonal movements. Austral migrant populations from South America do not reach Costa Rica. Local movements may occur following fruit availability.
Preferred Habitat
This elaenia inhabits open and semi-open areas including forest edges and clearings, secondary growth and scrubland, gardens and urban parks, agricultural areas with scattered trees, riparian zones with bushes, and dry forest and savanna edges. It avoids dense primary forest and requires at least some open areas for foraging.
Altitude Range
In Costa Rica, the species occurs from sea level to 2,000 m elevation, occasionally up to 2,400 m. Most common below 1,500 m where appropriate open habitat is abundant.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, the species is widespread on both slopes from the lowlands to middle elevations. It occurs throughout all provinces in appropriate habitat, being particularly common in the Central Valley, Guanacaste Province, Pacific lowlands and foothills, Caribbean lowlands in cleared areas, and absent only from dense forest interior and highest elevations. The species has benefited from deforestation and is expanding its range.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Costa Rican populations have benefited from deforestation creating more edge habitat. Density can reach 10-20 pairs per km² in optimal habitat.
The Yellow-bellied Elaenia faces few threats due to its adaptability. Minor issues include nest predation in fragmented habitats, pesticide exposure in agricultural areas, and collision with windows in urban settings.
Conservation efforts
No specific conservation measures are needed for this successful species. It is protected under general wildlife laws in Costa Rica.
Primary Threats
The Yellow-bellied Elaenia faces few threats due to its adaptability. Minor issues include nest predation in fragmented habitats, pesticide exposure in agricultural areas, and collision with windows in urban settings.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM), Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM)
Size
15-16.5 cm in total length. Males and females both weigh 22-28 g.
Plumage
Adults display olive-brown to grayish-brown upperparts with a slight greenish tinge in fresh plumage. The crown shows a distinctive bushy crest that is usually held erect, with a concealed white or yellowish-white crown patch that is rarely visible except when the bird is agitated.
Distinctive Features
The species has a relatively long, thin black bill measuring 14-16 mm with a pinkish base to the lower mandible. The legs and feet are black. The iris is dark brown. The prominent bushy crest gives the head a distinctive peaked appearance. The combination of crest, wing bars, and subtle yellow belly distinguishes it from similar flycatchers.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is absent in this species. Males and females are identical in plumage and size, making field identification of sex impossible without behavioral observations during breeding.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- The Yellow-bellied Elaenia has an omnivorous diet consisting of small fruits and berries, particularly Miconia, Cecropia, and various mistletoes. It also feeds on insects including flies, beetles, caterpillars, and winged termites. The diet shifts seasonally, with more fruit during the wet season and more insects during breeding.
Foraging Techniques
- his elaenia employs various foraging methods including sallying from exposed perches to catch flying insects, hovering briefly to pluck fruits from terminal twigs, and gleaning insects from foliage while perched.
Feeding Times
- Peak activity occurs in early morning from 6:00-9:00 and late afternoon from 15:00-17:30. The species remains relatively inactive during the hottest part of the day.
Behavior Patterns
Yellow-bellied Elaenia
Social Structure
These elaenias are typically seen alone or in pairs during breeding season. Small loose flocks of 3-6 individuals may form during non-breeding periods. The species readily joins mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly at fruiting trees.
Song and Vocalization
The dawn song is a harsh, burry “breeeer” or “wheeer,” often repeated several times. Common calls include a sharp “whi-eer” or “pee-ur” with a rising inflection. The species also produces a rapid series of “pip-pip-pip” notes when agitated.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Courtship involves males performing short display flights with exaggerated wing beats. Males sing persistently from exposed perches within territory. Courtship feeding occurs with males offering fruits or insects to females. Crown patches are displayed during aggressive encounters and courtship.
Territoriality
Pairs defend territories of 0.5-2 hectares during breeding season.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Yellow-bellied Elaenia
Common viewing areas include gardens and parks throughout the Central Valley, forest edges at any elevation below 2,000m, La Selva Biological Station clearings, Carara National Park edges, Manuel Antonio National Park and surroundings, urban areas including San José suburbs, hotel gardens throughout the country, and agricultural areas with scattered trees. This is one of the most frequently encountered flycatchers.
Best Time of the Year
Observable year-round with highest activity during breeding season (April-June). Dawn hours offer best vocal activity for location.
Common Behavior
Look for medium-sized flycatchers with prominent crests perched on exposed branches. Listen for harsh “breeeer” calls at dawn. Watch for sallying behavior from prominent perches.
Recommended Gear
Basic binoculars (8×42) are adequate for observation. A field guide is helpful to distinguish from other flycatchers. Camera with 300-400mm lens sufficient for photography as they often perch openly.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
In Costa Rica, breeding occurs primarily from March to July, with peak activity from April to June during the early wet season.
Nesting Sites
The nest is a shallow cup measuring 8-10 cm across and 4-5 cm deep. It is constructed of fine rootlets, grass, and plant fibers, lined with softer materials including feathers and plant down. The exterior is often decorated with lichens and moss. Nests are typically placed 2-8 meters high in the fork of a tree or shrub, often at the end of a horizontal branch.
Clutch Size
Females lay 2-3 eggs, typically 2. Eggs are cream-colored with reddish-brown spots concentrated at the larger end.
Incubation Period
Incubation lasts 14-16 days, performed solely by the female while the male guards the territory.
Parental Care
The female alone incubates but both parents feed nestlings. Insects form the primary diet for young birds. Feeding visits occur every 15-25 minutes. Young fledge at 15-17 days but are weak fliers initially.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
The white crown patch is almost never visible, leading to much speculation about its function. Some individuals become quite tame in gardens, learning feeding schedules. The species has been observed using spider webs to strengthen nest construction. Young birds practice catching insects for weeks before becoming proficient.
Cultural Significance
The common name “copetón” refers to the prominent crest. The species’ colonization of urban areas has made it familiar to city dwellers. Its role in dispersing seeds of pioneer plants is important for forest regeneration. Often one of the first birds to investigate newly cleared areas.
Surprising Traits
Individual elaenias can remember productive fruiting trees across seasons. Some populations have developed different calls in urban versus rural settings.
How do I identify this bird?
Look for a medium-sized flycatcher with a prominent bushy crest, two white wing bars, and subtle yellow on the belly. The harsh “breeeer” call is distinctive. The large-headed appearance due to the erected crest helps distinguish it from other flycatchers.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
Almost anywhere with appropriate edge habitat. Gardens, parks, and forest edges throughout the country below 2,000m offer good opportunities. The Central Valley and any area with mixed open and wooded habitat are particularly productive.
Is it endangered?
No, the Yellow-bellied Elaenia is listed as Least Concern with stable or increasing populations. It has benefited from human habitat modification and is one of the more successful species in disturbed environments. No conservation concerns exist.