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.
