Drab and confusing flycatcher found in lightly-wooded areas at lower elevations of the Andes. Its range is mostly confined to Ecuador, but it also occurs in southwestern Colombia. Plumage is grayish-brown with pale wingbars and yellowish belly. Head feathers are sometimes raised to form a small crest that may show some white. Smaller than Yellow-bellied Elaenia, and usually not as bright yellow below as Sierran Elaenia. Commonly heard calls include an abrupt whistle, a short churr, and a rattling trill; however, other elaenias have similar vocalizations.