Brownish Elaenia

In flight, note compact shape, pointed tail, and bounding flight with jerky wingbeats. Yellow wing patch can be hard to see when perched, but note small size, stocky proportions, mostly green plumage,and pale bill. Found in lowland rainforest; usually flying high above the forest canopy. Feeds in the canopy on flowers and fruit. Distinctive grating call is almost always heard before these birds are seen.

A small glossy starling often found in the canopy of fruiting trees in groups of varying sizes, sometimes with other species of starling. Note the glossy green-blue body, the dark purplish head and throat that can appear black at a distance, and the short tail. Distinguished from other glossy starlings by its short tail and relatively unicolored appearance. Calls include a whistled “twa!” or “wheet!” as well as more starling-like chattering “reer” or “heer” notes. 

Often draws attention to its presence by its song: an ascending sequence of “kwa” notes, similar to Green-backed Trogon, but faster. Two subspecies occur in Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina with limited geographical overlap that vary in the color of the breast and eyering; the southern one has a red belly and eyering, while the northern one has a yellow belly and eyering. The males of both subspecies have a violet-blue head and breast, a green back, and a white undertail. Females have a dull gray breast and the undertail is gray with white tips. Found in the middle to upper levels of forests and woodlands.