The Amazonian scrub flycatcher or Todd's scrub flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland Amazonia from Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas through Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It inhabits shrubby edges of rivers and oxbow lakes, young secondary forest, white-sand scrub (campina/campinarana), and river islands with early-successional vegetation. Often found at forest edges and clearings where sunlight promotes dense shrub layers. It tolerates disturbed habitats and is common in regenerating areas.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Todd's scrub flycatcher, this small tyrant flycatcher is widespread across the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. It favors shrubby river edges, young secondary growth, and river islands, where it perches low and makes short sallies for insects. Its plain, olive-brown look can be confusing, so its thin, high-pitched calls and subtle wingbars are key field clues.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to low shrubs and forest edges. Pairs defend small areas during breeding, with discreet displays and frequent tail-flicking. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup placed low in dense shrubbery, typical of small tyrant flycatchers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tsee or seee notes, often given in short series. Calls can be slightly buzzy or lisping, carrying farther than expected for such a small bird.
