The tepui vireo is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae.
Region
Guiana Shield tepui highlands (SE Venezuela, W Guyana, N Brazil)
Typical Environment
Occurs on and around tepui summits and upper slopes in humid montane and cloud forests, elfin woodland, and dense shrub thickets. Prefers moss-laden, stunted forests with abundant epiphytes and vine tangles, especially along forest edges and ridgelines. Found in fragmented pockets corresponding to individual tepui massifs. Also uses secondary growth and shrubby clearings adjacent to mature forest.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The tepui vireo is confined to the isolated tabletop mountains (tepuis) of the Guiana Shield, which naturally fragments its range. It forages methodically among leaves and often joins mixed-species flocks in mossy montane forests. The species epithet honors the British ornithologist Philip Lutley Sclater.
Temperament
quiet, methodical, and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hops through foliage
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, frequently accompanying mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Builds a neat cup nest suspended from a forked twig, typical of vireos. Territorial during breeding but tolerant when following foraging flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, repetitive series of clear, whistled phrases delivered at a measured pace. Calls include soft scolding notes and thin chips given while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grayish crown and nape, pale whitish throat, and yellowish to whitish underparts with a faint olive wash on the flanks. Shows two pale wingbars and a subtle broken eyering giving a spectacled look. Feathers appear soft and slightly fluffy in the cool, humid montane environment.
Diet
Primarily gleans small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders from leaves and twigs. Occasionally hover-gleans to pick prey from foliage tips and epiphytes. May supplement with small berries when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of mossy montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and vine tangles. Often feeds within mixed-species flocks where it methodically works each branch.
