The Roraiman barbtail is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield tepui highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs on isolated table-top mountains (tepuis) and adjacent slopes in southern Venezuela, western Guyana, and northern Brazil. It occupies humid montane evergreen forest, elfin forest, and mossy ravines, especially along shaded streams and waterfalls. The species favors dense undergrowth, vine tangles, and epiphyte-laden trunks where it can glean invertebrates. It is patchily distributed, tracking suitable mossy microhabitats within otherwise fragmented highland landscapes.
Altitude Range
1000–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Roraiman barbtail is a skulking ovenbird of the tepui highlands, where it creeps along mossy trunks and vines. Its tail feathers have stiff, spiny tips that help it brace against substrates while foraging. It is localized but can be fairly common in suitable habitat, often near streams and in cloud forest. Despite its restricted range, it is currently considered of low conservation concern.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining territories year-round. Regularly joins mixed-species flocks moving along streams and forested slopes. Nesting biology is poorly documented, but like other barbtails it likely places a mossy, domed nest in sheltered sites such as banks, cavities, or dense epiphytes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of accelerating notes or trills that can be easily overlooked in rushing water noise. Calls include sharp, squeaky chips and short, buzzy trills used for contact within pairs.
Plumage
Mostly dark brown to rufescent-brown with subtle buffy streaking on the head and upperparts and a paler, slightly mottled throat. Wings and tail are warm rufous; tail feathers are stiff with spiny, barbed tips. Underparts are dusky brown with faint streaks or mottling toward the breast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods, including insects, larvae, and spiders. It gleans methodically from moss, bark, epiphytes, and leaf-tangles, often bracing with its stiff tail. Probes into crevices, curled dead leaves, and vine mats near humid ravines and streams. Foraging is typically low to mid-level in the understory.
Preferred Environment
Humid, moss-rich substrates in cloud forest and elfin woodland, especially along shaded stream courses. Frequently forages on trunks, larger branches, vine tangles, and epiphyte mats where prey is abundant.
