The yellow-lored tody-flycatcher, or gray-headed tody-flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill portions of the Atlantic Forest, including forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded plantations. It favors dense, tangly vegetation along forest margins, riverine thickets, and clearings with scattered shrubs. The species also uses restinga and cacao agroforests where shade trees create a semi-forested structure. It is generally absent from open habitats lacking shrub cover.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny tyrant flycatcher of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, it is also called the gray-headed tody-flycatcher. It typically forages by gleaning small insects from foliage and making short sallies, often in pairs. Its bright yellow lores against a gray head are key identification features. Like many Atlantic Forest endemics, it tolerates secondary growth better than some forest specialists but still depends on wooded habitats.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Nests are typically hanging, purse-like structures placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season and communicate with high, thin calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are high-pitched, thin, and insect-like, often a rapid series of tsit notes. It may give short, buzzy trills interspersed with sharp chips, repeated from low perches inside dense foliage.
