The tepui whitestart or tepui redstart is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It is found in humid highland forest, woodland and scrub in the tepuis in southern Venezuela, western Guyana and northern Brazil. It is sometimes included as a subspecies of the brown-capped whitestart.
Region
Guiana Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs on isolated tepui summits and slopes in southern Venezuela, western Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil. Prefers humid montane forest, mossy woodland, forest edges, and scrubby clearings near cliffs and streams. It uses dense understory and vine tangles for cover while foraging. The species is patchily distributed, following suitable habitat on individual tepui massifs. Fragmentation by sheer escarpments creates naturally insular populations.
Altitude Range
1000–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the tepui redstart, this warbler is confined to the table-top mountains (tepuis) of the Guiana Highlands. It often fans and flashes its white tail to flush insects from foliage. Some authorities have treated it as a subspecies of the Brown-capped Whitestart due to similarities in plumage. It typically forages in pairs and joins mixed-species flocks in montane forest.
Temperament
active and confiding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail-fanning
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, it readily joins mixed-species flocks moving through the mid-story and understory. Pairs maintain territories during the breeding season and perform tail-flashing displays. The nest is a cup concealed in dense vegetation or banks, with both adults participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of trills and tinkling notes, delivered in short phrases. Call notes are sharp chips and tsips used to keep contact while foraging.
