The scaled flowerpiercer is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the tepuis of Brazil and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield (tepuis of southern Venezuela and northern Brazil)
Typical Environment
Occurs on isolated, flat-topped tepui mountains and adjacent upper slopes in southern Venezuela and nearby northern Brazil. It frequents stunted cloud forest (elfin forest), montane scrub, and shrubby edges with abundant flowering plants. The species is typically found along forest margins, ridgelines, and openings where nectar sources are concentrated. Its range is naturally fragmented by the tepui landscape, with populations separated by lowland forests.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A specialized nectar-robber, it pierces the base of flowers with its slightly upturned bill to access nectar that other birds usually reach from the front. It also supplements its diet with small insects and spiders. The species is tied to the isolated tepui summits of the Guiana Shield, leading to a patchy, mountaintop distribution.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, darting movements
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Pairs defend nectar-rich shrubs and small territories. Nests are small cup structures placed low in dense shrubs or mossy tangles. Both parents likely share duties in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twitters and sibilant notes, often delivered from a sheltered perch. Calls include sharp, metallic ticks used in contact and territorial contexts.
Plumage
Dusky to slate-gray overall with fine pale edging on the feathers of the underparts, creating a distinctive scaled effect. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Takes nectar by piercing the base of tubular flowers, a behavior that bypasses the corolla. Also gleans small insects and spiders from foliage and flowers, especially when nectar is scarce. Will occasionally consume small berries.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along edges of elfin forest, shrubby clearings, and tepui summit scrub where flowering shrubs are abundant. Often focuses on patches with continuous blooms and returns repeatedly to productive plants.
