Todd's sirystes is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.
Region
The Guianas and northeastern Amazonia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforest, forest edges, and tall secondary growth across French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and adjacent northern Brazil. It favors riverine corridors and clearings where tall emergent perches are available. Most activity is in the mid-story to canopy, where it makes short sallies to catch flying insects. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats but remains tied to forested landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Todd's sirystes is a canopy-dwelling tyrant flycatcher of the Guianan region, often detected by its clear, ringing whistles long before it is seen. It was split from the Sirystes sibilator complex, and voice is the most reliable way to tell it from closely related species. It hunts by sallying from exposed perches along forest edges and river corridors.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from high perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, holding territories in forest canopy and edges. Breeding pairs likely build a small cup nest high in the forest, as in many tyrant flycatchers. It sometimes joins mixed-species flocks along forest borders but typically forages independently.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, ringing whistles that rise and carry far, often in a short series with an emphatic final note. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, the song is a key field mark separating it from other Sirystes species.
Plumage
Mostly dark gray to slaty upperparts with paler gray underparts and a slightly lighter throat; wings show subtle pale edging and weak wingbars.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as beetles, flies, and wasps by sallying from exposed perches. It occasionally gleans arthropods from foliage and branches in the mid-story. Prey is taken in short, direct flights and often swallowed on the perch.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, river margins, and canopy gaps where aerial insect activity is concentrated. Uses prominent snags or emergent branches to scan for passing insects.
