The tepui brushfinch is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae.
Region
Pantepui (Guiana Shield highlands)
Typical Environment
Occupies the humid montane forests and edges on tepui slopes in southeastern Venezuela, with local extensions into adjacent Guyana and northern Brazil. Prefers dense understory in cloud forest, elfin forest, and thickets, especially near forest gaps and along streams. Common in bamboo patches, vine tangles, and secondary growth where cover is abundant. The species is locally common but patchy due to the island-like nature of tepui habitats.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tepui brushfinch is a skulking passerellid confined to the tepui highlands of the Guiana Shield, where it frequents dense understory. It often joins mixed-species flocks, slipping through vine tangles and bamboo as it forages on or near the ground. Its distribution is fragmented among isolated table-top mountains, making habitat continuity important.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, often staying low in dense cover. Regularly associates with mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory. Nests are placed low in shrubs or tangles, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of clear whistles and soft trills delivered from concealed perches. Calls are sharp chips and thin tseets used to maintain contact in thick vegetation.
Plumage
Dull olive to olive-brown upperparts with a grayer head and nape; underparts grayish with buffy flanks and vent. Face shows a contrasting dark mask and a clean, pale throat. Feathers appear soft and non-glossy, aiding camouflage in shaded understory.
Diet
Takes small arthropods such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars from leaf litter and low foliage. Also consumes seeds, small fruits, and berries when available. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pauses and tail flicks while probing among dead leaves and twigs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the ground within dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo. Edge habitats and light gaps are favored where insect activity and fruiting shrubs are common.
