The black-and-white tody-flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil,Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of Brazil (western Amazon), Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, especially along major rivers. Prefers river-island scrub, varzea and igapó edges, bamboo and cane brakes, and early successional second growth. Commonly uses dense shrubbery and vine tangles near water, treefall gaps, and forest margins. It avoids continuous tall forest interior, favoring sunlit edges and thickets. Local presence can shift with river dynamics and successional stages.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny tyrant flycatcher of the western Amazon Basin, the black-and-white tody-flycatcher often inhabits river-edge thickets and young secondary growth. It is frequently encountered in pairs that keep close contact with thin, high-pitched calls. Like other tody-flycatchers, it builds a small, purse-like nest suspended from vegetation. Its bold black-and-white pattern makes it unusually striking for such a small understory bird.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darts
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups maintaining close contact calls. Pairs defend small territories in dense riverside vegetation and occasionally join mixed-species flocks along edges. The nest is a small, pouch-like structure of fibers and plant down, suspended from a low branch or vine, sometimes over water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very high, thin whistles and short, rapid trills that can be easy to overlook among insect noise. Calls are often delivered in quick series and pairs may exchange soft duet-like notes from dense cover.
Plumage
Boldly patterned with sharp black-and-white contrast; crisp white underparts and supercilium offset dark upperparts. Wings show distinct white wingbars and edging. Females can be slightly duller with a subtle grayish wash. Tail often shows pale edges visible when flicked.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and making short sallies to snatch prey from the air or foliage. Uses its broad, flat bill and rictal bristles to capture tiny prey with precision. Often hunts low to mid-undersory in dense thickets.
Preferred Environment
Edge habitats with abundant young foliage, river-island scrub, bamboo or cane stands, and viney second growth. Frequently forages near watercourses where insect activity is high. Tends to remain within 1–4 meters above the ground in dense cover.
