Last week I mentioned that I stalked some birds during a hike as they tried to enjoy a peaceful lunch. Here they are snacking on a calafate berry, or Magellan Barberry. I have yet to taste the berry, but I did enjoy a Calafate Sour in Punta Arenas, Chile, a couple weeks ago.

Anyway, I thought then that these were Patagonian Mockingbirds, but now I’m fairly certain that I jumped the gun on that ID.

After further observation, I’ve decided that they are from the Elaenia genus, but I’m still uncertain which of the ten species known in Argentina these are. Given the crest on the bird to the right, my first guess is the White-Crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps), but the one to the left and the grumpy-looking one pictured below are sans crest.

For the record these were both taken on the Laguna Torre trail at Los Glaciares National Park, near El Chalten, Argentina.

Any ideas? All insight and assistance will be greatly appreciated.