Greater flowerpiercer

The greater flowerpiercer is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the tepuis of western Guyana, eastern Venezuela and far northern Brazil. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.

Description

The greater flowerpiercer grows to a length of about and is larger than any other species in the genus. The adult has a black mask but is otherwise a bluish-slate colour, with a silvery moustachial streak and silvery streaks on the crown and mantle. It has a chestnut crissum. It is unlikely to be confused with related species because no other members of the genus shares its range.

Distribution and habitat

The greater flowerpiercer occurs around the tepuis that are found in the southeastern part of Venezuela and the adjoining areas of northern Brazil and western Guyana. Its altitudinal range is from but it is most common above. It typically occurs in clearings and edges of montane forest, in shrubland and stunted woodland.

Ecology

This bird usually forages alone or in pairs, but sometimes joins small mixed species groups. It feeds on insects as well as nectar which it extracts by probing and piercing flowers. The nest is constructed of grasses and fine twigs and is cup-shaped. It is built among rocks, often under an overhang.

Status

The greater flowerpiercer has a somewhat restricted range but, although the population size has not been quantified, the trend is thought to be downwards because of the gradual decline in the quality of its habitat. The bird is described as being "fairly common but patchily distributed", and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".