Birds
White-crested Elaenia
Elaenia albiceps
Travelling from Patagonian breeding grounds all the way to the Amazon basin for the winter, a white-crested elaenia undertakes one of the longest migrations of any South American songbird, its namesake crest usually hidden except during display.
Overview
The white-crested elaenia, Elaenia albiceps, is a Least Concern bird native to forest and grassland habitat across a vast breeding and non-breeding range spanning Patagonia to the Amazon basin. Its exceptionally long annual migration, its partially concealed white crest patch, and its otherwise understated plumage make it one of the more geographically far-ranging songbirds found anywhere in South America.
A small bird with a continental commute
Few songbirds travel as far each year as the white-crested elaenia, whose annual journey from Patagonian forest to the Amazon basin and back rivals migrations undertaken by birds many times its size.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across its vast breeding and non-breeding range spanning Patagonia to the Amazon basin.
White-crested Elaenia: common questions
How far does the white-crested elaenia migrate?
This species undertakes one of the longest migrations of any South American songbird, travelling from Patagonian breeding grounds as far as the Amazon basin for the winter.
What is the white crest on this species used for?
This species has a partially concealed white crest patch on its head, usually hidden but raised during certain displays such as territorial or courtship interactions.
Where does the white-crested elaenia breed?
This species breeds across forest and woodland habitat in southern Chile and Argentina during the austral summer, before migrating north for the winter.
Does the white-crested elaenia migrate alone?
Not always, this species often forms loose flocks during migration, travelling alongside other elaenia and flycatcher species over long distances.