Lulu's tody-flycatcher, also known as Johnson's tody-flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Northern Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane cloud forests, especially along edges, clearings, and secondary growth with dense understory. Often associated with Chusquea bamboo and mossy thickets, where it forages low to mid-levels. It also uses roadside tangles and forest gaps created by landslides. The species is patchy and local within suitable habitat, reflecting its specialized preferences.
Altitude Range
1600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Lulu's tody-flycatcher, also called Johnson's tody-flycatcher, is a tiny Andean tyrant flycatcher restricted to a small area of northern Peru. It frequents humid montane forest edges and bamboo thickets, where it actively gleans insects in pairs or small family groups. Ongoing deforestation in its narrow range has made it a conservation priority. Birders often seek it around the Abra Patricia pass and Alto Mayo area.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family parties; occasionally joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. It forages by gleaning and short sally-gleans among bamboo and vine tangles, frequently flicking its tail. Nests are likely small, well-concealed pouch or cup-like structures placed low in dense vegetation, with a small clutch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and short trills, often delivered from low perches within dense cover. Calls are soft tsit notes, sometimes accelerating into a brief series when agitated.
Plumage
Small, compact flycatcher with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts, a contrasting darker head, and two pale wingbars. The face shows a subtle yellowish supercilium with dusky ear coverts; underparts are clean yellow to yellow-wash with faint olive sides. Bill is short and broad; tail is short and often flicked.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bamboo culms. It makes short sallies to pick prey from the undersides of foliage. Occasional capture of small spiders is reported; fruit consumption is minimal if at all.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and lower midstory of humid montane forest, especially bamboo thickets and regenerating edges. Often works along forest margins, trails, and roadside tangles where insect abundance is high.
