The Venezuelan bristle tyrant is a Near Threatened species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Venezuelan Andes
Typical Environment
Found in humid montane and cloud forests, especially in areas rich in epiphytes, mosses, and bromeliads. Prefers forest interiors and edges with dense understory and midstory layers. Often occurs along ravines and stream corridors where moisture and insect prey are abundant. Tolerates some secondary growth but declines in heavily fragmented or disturbed landscapes.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active flycatcher of humid Venezuelan montane forests, often joining mixed-species flocks as it gleans insects from foliage. It is sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation, which helps explain its conservation concern. Taxonomy has shifted between Phylloscartes and Pogonotriccus in different checklists. Its fine rictal bristles at the base of the bill aid in capturing tiny, fast-moving prey.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sally-gleaning
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks while foraging. During breeding it maintains small territories; the nest is a small, well-concealed cup in mossy vegetation or a forked branch. Both members of the pair likely share parental duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a thin, high-pitched series of sibilant notes and brief trills, often delivered from midstory perches. Calls are sharp, insect-like chips that can be hard to localize in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with contrasting pale yellowish underparts, often washed olive on the flanks; two narrow pale wingbars and a subtle pale supercilium. Feathers are sleek and smooth; face shows slightly dusky auriculars.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, and caterpillars. Gleans prey from leaf surfaces and twigs, often hover-gleaning at the ends of foliage. Will occasionally sally a short distance to snatch flying insects. Forages methodically through epiphyte-laden branches where prey is abundant.
Preferred Environment
Midstory and canopy edges of humid montane forest, especially along streams and in areas with abundant epiphytes and moss. Also uses semi-open forest edges and mature secondary growth, but less common in heavily degraded areas.
