The rusty-fronted tody-flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
Region
Amazon Basin and western South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in humid tropical lowlands and foothills, especially in the Amazon Basin across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and locally in adjacent regions. Prefers forest edges, vine tangles, bamboo thickets, riverine scrub, and secondary growth near primary forest. Common in understory and midstory layers, typically from near ground level up to mid-canopy perches. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats but remains closely tied to dense, shrubby cover.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny tyrant flycatcher often keeps to the lower and mid understory, flicking its tail and making short sallies after small insects. It is frequently found along forest edges and in second growth, and may join mixed-species flocks. Its soft, high-pitched trills can be easy to overlook, but the rusty-orange forehead is a helpful field mark when seen well.
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, often maintaining small territories within dense understory. Frequently associates at the periphery of mixed-species flocks. Nests are typically small and well-concealed in low shrubs or vine tangles; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice consists of thin, high-pitched trills and sharp tseet notes delivered from low to mid-level perches. Songs are repetitive but subdued, carrying poorly through dense foliage.
Plumage
Small, compact flycatcher with olive-green upperparts, a distinctly rusty to rufous forehead and lores, and yellowish to buff underparts. Wings are dusky with pale edging forming faint wingbars; tail is dusky-olive. Plumage is soft and relatively plain aside from the rusty front.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves and twigs or taken by short aerial sallies. Often forages methodically along dense edges, snapping prey from the undersides of foliage. May hover briefly to pick insects from suspended leaves and vines.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in dense shrubbery, vine tangles, bamboo stands, and along forest margins and river edges. Uses narrow, shaded corridors and second growth where small perches are abundant.
