The Sierra de Lema flycatcher or Tepui flycatcher is a species of bird in the tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield tepuis
Typical Environment
Occurs on and around the tepuis of southeastern Venezuela, western Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil. Favors humid montane and submontane evergreen forests, especially along slopes, ravines, and forest edges near tepui foothills. Often uses midstory to lower canopy strata with dense foliage and scattered open perches. Locally common where suitable montane forest persists but patchily distributed due to the fragmented tepui landscape.
Altitude Range
800–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Tepui flycatcher, this small tyrant flycatcher is tied to the isolated table mountains (tepuis) of the Guiana Shield. It often perches quietly in the midstory before making quick sallies for insects, and can be confused with Bran-colored Flycatcher but differs in voice and its rufous-tinged tail and wing edging. Its distribution spans the tepuis of Venezuela, adjacent Guyana, and far northern Brazil.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within the midstory, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks. Territorial during the breeding season and uses repeated perch sites for foraging. Nesting is poorly known but presumed to be a small cup concealed in vegetation, with both adults attending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched whistles and short, simple phrases delivered from shaded perches. Calls include sharp chips and squeaky notes, useful for separating it from similar small flycatchers.
Plumage
Dull olive-brown above with warm rufous edging to the wings and tail; underparts yellowish to buff with gray-olive wash on the breast. Two narrow buff wingbars and a faint pale eyering. Overall small, neat flycatcher with a short, broad-based bill.
Diet
Primarily small flying and crawling insects such as flies, beetles, and small moths. Captures prey by sallying from exposed perches and by short hover-gleans among foliage. May occasionally take small spiders and other arthropods. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent returns to the same perch.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory and lower canopy of humid montane forest, along edges, gaps, and along streams on tepui slopes. Often uses semi-open spots with good visibility to launch short sallies.
