The common tody-flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Mexico, in every Central American country, and in every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through all of Central America and across most of mainland South America, absent only from Chile and Uruguay; also present on some adjacent islands. It is common in lowlands and foothills, favoring forest edges, second growth, hedgerows, gardens, and plantations. Frequently uses riparian thickets, mangrove edges, and roadside scrub where small insects are abundant. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats and is often seen near human settlements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flycatcher is famous for its long, flattened bill and constantly cocked, flicking tail. Pairs often keep up sharp ticking calls as they move through low shrubs and edges. They build intricate, hanging pouch nests with a long entrance tube woven from plant fibers and spider silk. Despite its size, it is bold and inquisitive around human-modified habitats.
In the Pantanal, Brazil
A common tody-flycatcher building its hanging nest.
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darting sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, maintaining small territories year-round. Builds a hanging pouch nest with a tubular entrance, suspended from low branches or vines. Both sexes participate in nest construction and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, metallic ticks and high, rapid series of notes that can sound like a sewing machine. The calls are frequent and repetitive, helping pairs keep contact in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Compact, with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts; head grayish to dusky with dusky wings and blackish tail often held cocked. Wings show subtle yellow-olive edging; plumage is smooth, not streaked.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, ants, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Frequently inspects the undersides of foliage and may hover briefly while picking prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at low to mid levels in shrubbery, hedgerows, second growth, and garden edges. Often forages along streams, field margins, and roadsides where insect activity is high.
