Genetic evidence indicates that Gray Elaenia is paraphyletic with respect to Foothill Elaenia Myiopagis olallai (Rheindt et al. 2009b, Cuervo et al, 2014); and there also is significant variation in vocalizations across Gray Elaenia (Cuervo et al. 2014, Boesman 2016). Therefore Gray Elaenia is split into three species: the polytypic group Gray Elaenia (Choco) Myiopagis caniceps parambae/absita becomes Choco Elaenia Myiopagis parambae, with subspecies parambae and absita; the monotypic group Gray Elaenia (Gray) Myiopagis caniceps cinerea becomes Amazonian Elaenia Myiopagis cinerea; and the monotypic group Gray Elaenia (Gray-headed) Myiopagis caniceps caniceps becomes Gray-headed Elaenia Myiopagis caniceps.