Gray Elaenia (Myiopagis caniceps)

Identification & Behavior: ~12.5 cm (5 in). The male Gray Elaenia is two-toned gray being lighter gray on the sides of the head and underparts. The wing coverts are black margined with whitish. The female is olive above. The breast is olive and grades to yellow towards the rest of the underparts. The wing coverts are black edged with yellow. Both sexes have a semi-concealed pale (male) or yellow (female) crest. It forages in the canopy and sub-canopy of humid forest in Amazonia. The female is very similar to the Forest Elaenia. Also, see the Yellow-crowned Elaenia and the Greenish Elaenia.

Status: The Gray Elaenia is uncommon and widespread in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 700 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Fío-Fío Gris.

Sub-species: Gray Elaenia (Myiopagis caniceps cinerea), (Pelzeln), 1868.

Meaning of Name: Myiopagis: Gr. muia, muias=  fly and pagis=  trap, snare. caniceps: L. canus=  gray and ceps= headed.

See more of the Family Tyrannidae