Johannes's tody-tyrant, or Joao's tody-tyrant, is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western and central Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found in lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Prefers dense bamboo (especially Guadua) and vine tangles along forest edges, river margins, and secondary growth. Also inhabits terra firme and seasonally flooded varzea forest understory, typically in shaded, cluttered microhabitats. Often keeps to lower and mid-understory, moving methodically through foliage.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Johannes's tody-tyrant is a tiny, bamboo-loving flycatcher that is often detected by voice rather than sight. It forages quietly in dense understory and bamboo thickets, making brief sallies to snatch small insects. Its soft, high-pitched whistles are key for identification. The species occurs across the western and central Amazon Basin.
Temperament
skulking and deliberate
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping low in dense cover. Joins mixed-species understory flocks occasionally but remains unobtrusive. Nests are typically small, globular structures placed low in dense vegetation, with both adults involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and tseet notes, often delivered slowly and repeated. Calls carry surprisingly well in bamboo thickets and are essential for locating the bird.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flycatcher with olive-green upperparts and yellowish to olive-washed underparts; two faint, narrow wingbars; fine, short bill and slightly fluffy crown.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bamboo culms. Makes short sallies to pluck prey from the underside of foliage. Occasionally hawks tiny flying insects in brief sorties. Foraging is quiet and methodical.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense bamboo stands, vine tangles, and shady understory along forest edges and riverbanks. Often keeps within 1–5 meters above ground, exploiting the structure of bamboo for cover.
