Silvan Elves

The Silvan or Woodland Elves were descendents of the Nandor, later mingled with the Sindarin princes. There were the Tawarwaith in Greenwood the Great and the Galadhrim of Lórien. (Most times in the work of Tolkien 'Silvan Elves' refers to the people of Thranduil, though.)
The Tawarwaith were opposed to the concept of civilization and preferred to live a simple and natural life in the woods. Under the leadership of Oropher and his son Thranduil, their scattered groups united and gained in wisdom.
In the Second Age these Silvan Elves were forced to move northwards, because of the intrusions of dwarves and Noldor into their lands. During the Last Alliance many Tawarwaith died in battle, because they were ill-equipped. When Sauron started to build his fastness in the southern part of their forest, they had to retreat even further into the north. In the War of the Ring Thranduil's people were subjected to fierce attacks by Sauron's allies, but finally were able to defeat their enemies.
The Tawarwaith made soundlessly appearing and disappearing an art. They were also masterful archers who were able to hit a bird in pitch-black darkness right in the eye.

My favorite quotations:
The Silvan Elves (it is remarked here) 'were never wholly free of an unquite and yearning for the Sea which at times drove some of them to wander from their homes'. [Unfinished Tales]
 
A long peace followed in which the numbers of the Silvan Elves grew again; but they were unquiet and anxious, feeling the change of the worls that the Third Age would bring. [Unfinished Tales]
 
The elvish folk were passing bowls from hand to hand and across the fires, and some were harping and singing. Their gleaming hear was twined with flowers; green and white gems glinted on their collars and their belts; and their faces and their songs were filled with mirth. [The Hobbit]
 
Though their magic was strong, even in those days they were wary. ... In the Wide World the Wood-elves lingered in the twilight of our Sun and Moon, but loved best the stars; and they wandered in the great forests that grew tall in lands that are now lost. [The Hobbit]

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