The Roraiman antwren is an insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield (tepui highlands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on and around the tepui highlands spanning southeastern Venezuela, western Guyana, and northern Brazil (Roraima state). It inhabits montane evergreen forest, stunted cloud forest, and shrubby edge on tepui slopes and plateaus. Birds forage mostly in the mid-story to canopy, especially along forest margins and in patchy, wind-pruned woodland. It is patchily distributed but can be locally fairly common in suitable tepui habitats.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small canopy antwren is part of the tepui avifauna of the Guiana Shield and is often detected by fast, high-pitched duets given by paired birds. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, moving nimbly along outer foliage as it gleans insects. The species is named for Mount Roraima, where it occurs on slopes and nearby highlands. It is generally uncommon but locally regular where suitable habitat persists.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, undulating dashes
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with responsive duets. Nests are small cups placed in forked twigs or suspended from slender branches in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of fast, high, thin whistles or trills, often delivered as coordinated duets between mates. Calls include sharp tsee notes and rapid rattles that carry through the canopy.
Plumage
Small, slim antwren with neat, contrasting pattern; males are gray with darker head and bold white wingbars, females more brownish-olive above with buffy underparts and subtler contrast. Tail often shows pale tips, and both sexes have clean wingbars and fine facial markings.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods including insects and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, often hover-gleaning at outer foliage and occasionally making short sallies to snatch flushed insects. It forages methodically but quickly, moving through the canopy with mixed flocks. It may occasionally attend small ant swarms but is not an obligate ant follower.
Preferred Environment
Mid-story to canopy of montane and cloud forests, especially along edges, gaps, and shrubby tepui woodland. Often uses wind-pruned and patchy foliage where prey is concentrated.
