The tepui elaenia is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield tepui highlands (Venezuela, Guyana, northern Brazil)
Typical Environment
Occupies shrublands, elfin forest edges, and stunted woodland on tepui slopes and summits. Favors forest margins, gaps, and scrubby clearings with scattered small trees. Often uses ridge tops and plateaus where winds keep vegetation low and patchy. Occurs in Canaima National Park and adjacent tepui systems extending into western Guyana and northern Roraima, Brazil.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the tepui table-mountains of the Guiana Shield, this elaenia is confined to high-elevation scrub and elfin forests. It can be tricky to identify by sight because many elaenias look similar; its voice is often the best clue. The species persists on nutrient-poor, wind-exposed summits and ridges, showing notable adaptation to harsh conditions. Despite its restricted range, it remains locally common where suitable habitat exists.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks along edges. Territorial during the breeding season and performs short display flights from exposed perches. Builds a small cup nest of mosses and plant fibers placed in a fork or dense shrub. Likely monogamous with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaky phrases, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp tchik notes and short, rising-falling whistles repeated at intervals, most frequent at dawn.
Plumage
Olive-tinged gray upperparts with paler grayish face and whitish throat; underparts grayish with a faint yellowish wash on the belly. Two distinct whitish wingbars on dusky wings. Slight, often inconspicuous crest with a sometimes concealed pale crown patch.
Diet
Takes small flying insects by sallying from low to mid-level perches and gleans arthropods from foliage. Also consumes small fruits and berries, especially when insect activity is low. Foraging is adaptable, shifting between flycatching and gleaning depending on weather and habitat structure.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along scrubby edges, elfin forest margins, and stunted woodland on tepui slopes and summits. Often uses wind-sheltered gaps and sunlit perches on ridgelines and plateaus.
