The white-eyed tody-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in northern Amazonia across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. Favors lowland evergreen forest, forest edges, vine tangles, and secondary growth. Often keeps to the lower and mid understory, including riverine thickets and clearings with shrubby cover. It adapts well to disturbed habitats provided dense understory vegetation remains.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny tyrant flycatcher is named for its striking white iris, an unusual feature among small forest flycatchers. It keeps an upright, toy-like posture in the undergrowth, making short sallies to snatch insects. Despite its subtle plumage, its high, thin trills can reveal its presence in dense thickets.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense understory. Joins mixed-species flocks occasionally along edges. Nests are small cups placed low in shrubs or saplings, with typical clutches of 1–2 eggs. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin trills and squeaky notes delivered in short series. Phrases are often repeated from a concealed perch and carry surprisingly well in quiet forest understory.
Plumage
Plain olive-green upperparts with grayish-olive breast and yellowish wash on the underparts; two faint buff wing bars and a short tail. Feathers appear smooth and unpatterned, enhancing its inconspicuous look in foliage.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, and spiders. Captures prey by short sallies from low perches and by hover-gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally picks prey from dead leaf clusters and vine tangles. Foraging is deliberate but continuous, with frequent perch changes.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in dense understory, vine tangles, and shrubby edges of lowland forest. Also uses second-growth thickets and riverine vegetation where insect activity is high.
