The tepui foliage-gleaner, also known as the white-throated foliage-gleaner, is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield (Tepui region)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the forested slopes and summit edges of tepuis in southeastern Venezuela, western Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil (Roraima). Prefers humid montane evergreen and cloud forests with abundant epiphytes, vine tangles, and mossy branches. It forages mainly in the understory to midstory along ravines, forest edges, and steep slopes. The species is patchy but can be locally fairly common where intact habitat persists.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A montane specialist of the tepuis—table-top mountains of the Guiana Shield—the tepui foliage-gleaner is also called the white-throated foliage-gleaner. It creeps through mossy limbs and dense understory, often prying into bromeliads and leaf clusters for hidden prey. It sometimes joins mixed-species flocks, where its crisp white throat stands out in dim cloud-forest light.
Temperament
secretive and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats within dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually forages singly or in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks in montane forest. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with sharp calls. Nests are thought to be placed in cavities or earthen banks, lined with plant fibers and leaves.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, buzzy to rattling series, often accelerating or slightly descending. Calls are sharp chips and scolds that carry through dense understory.
Plumage
Warm brown to rufescent upperparts with a contrasting clean white throat and paler, buffy underparts; wings and tail are richer rufous. Slight pale supercilium and darker lateral throat markings add contrast. The tail is stiff and rufous, typical of foliage-gleaners.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, bark, and dead leaf clusters, and probes bromeliads and moss mats. Occasionally flicks or pries loose debris to expose hidden insects and may sporadically attend army-ant swarms.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory and midstory of humid montane forest, especially along steep slopes, ravines, and forest edges with abundant epiphytes. Frequently works through bromeliad-laden branches and vine tangles where prey is concentrated.
