Yellow-bellied Elaenia ( Elaenia flavogaster )
- Sent by Rodrigo Girardi Santiago - 06/12/2006
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16cm
Identification: the genus Elaenia is well known among the ornithologists for being one of the most difficult groups when it comes to species identification. Nevertheless Elaenia flavogaster is the easiest species to be identified, first for its yellow belly, second for the crest on the head (not always visible), third for the absence of white patches on the face and crest and last for its conspicuous behavior.
It is more easily heard than seen and its song reminds the one of the kiskadee.
It inhabits parks, backyards, coffee crops and secondary forest edges.
The yellow bellied elaenia spends most of its time in the medium height trees and shrubs.
Feeds mainly on insects and berries.
The couple builds a bow shaped nest where the female lays usually 2 buffy eggs. The eggs hatch after 16 days and the nestlings take an equivalent length of time to develop the feathers.
