Zimmer's tody-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western and southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil (western Amazonia), Ecuador, and Peru. Favors dense understory in terra firme and várzea forest, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and river-edge second growth. Typically stays within the lower to mid understory, moving methodically through vine tangles and young secondary growth. Often found along streams, oxbow lakes, and clearings where cover is thick.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Zimmer's tody-tyrant is a tiny, inconspicuous tyrant flycatcher that keeps to dense understory, often near bamboo or river-edge thickets. It is named in honor of the American ornithologist J. T. Zimmer. Pairs or singles quietly glean insects from foliage, occasionally making short sallies. Its high, thin trills can be the best clue to its presence.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found alone or in pairs within dense understory, occasionally accompanying mixed-species flocks at low levels. Nests are presumed domed or globular with a side entrance like other tody-tyrants, placed low in dense vegetation. Breeding behavior is inconspicuous, with quiet pair contact and discreet nest attendance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers high, thin trills and short series of sharp tsit notes. Song is modest in volume but carries in quiet forest, often repeated from a low perch within cover.
Plumage
Dull olive-green upperparts with slightly paler, grayish-olive underparts and a whitish to pale yellowish throat and belly. Shows two pale buff wingbars and subtle edging on the wing coverts. Feathers are fine and smooth, giving a neat, compact appearance with a short tail often held slightly cocked.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, and spiders. Forages by careful gleaning from leaves and twigs, interspersed with short sallies to snatch prey. Occasionally hovers briefly to pick insects from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds 1–4 meters above ground in dense thickets, vine tangles, and bamboo stands. Frequently forages along forest edges, river margins, and secondary growth where insect activity is high.
