The Roraiman flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, and possibly in Bolivia.
Region
Guiana Shield Tepuis
Typical Environment
Occurs on the tepui highlands of southeastern Venezuela, western Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil (Roraima). It favors montane evergreen and elfin forests, forest edges, and shrubby tepui slopes. Birds are typically found along streamside thickets, light gaps, and around clearings with scattered trees. The species is local but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists on tepui summits and upper slopes.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Tepui Flycatcher, this small tyrant flycatcher is closely tied to the isolated table-top mountains (tepuis) of the Guiana Shield. It is often detected by its thin, high-pitched calls rather than by sight, as its plumage is subtle. The species frequently flicks its tail and sallies from low, shaded perches to snatch insects.
Illustration by Joseph Smit, 1888
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs within territories, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Nests are placed in concealed sites such as banks, roots, or dense understory vegetation typical of tepui habitats. Breeding behavior is poorly documented but likely follows the general tyrannid pattern with biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tseet notes and short, wheezy trills, often delivered from a shaded perch. The voice carries surprisingly well and is the most reliable way to detect the species in dense tepui vegetation.
Plumage
Dull olive-brown above with warmer brown wings showing two narrow buffy wingbars; underparts buff to ochraceous with a paler throat and subtle streaking on the breast; small, compact flycatcher with a short tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small flying and crawling insects, captured by short sallying flights from low to mid-level perches. It also gleans prey from leaves and twigs, especially in semi-open edges and gaps. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent tail flicks and short repositioning hops.
Preferred Environment
Most often hunts along forest margins, shrubby slopes, streamside thickets, and clearings where insect activity concentrates. It favors shaded perches that provide quick access to small open spaces for aerial sallies.
