Common Tody-Flycatcher

The Common Tody-Flycatcher, also known as the Black-fronted Tody-Flycatcher, is a diminutive and sprightly bird, a member of the vast Tyrant Flycatcher family. This avian jewel measures a mere 9.5–10.2 cm in length and tips the scales at a lightweight 6.5–6.8 grams. It boasts a strikingly long, flattened, and straight black bill, which is quite the tool for its insectivorous pursuits.

Identification Tips

Upon observing this bird, one is struck by its black upper head, which gracefully transitions to dark grey at the nape and then to a dark olive-green across the rest of the upperparts. Its tail, often seen cocked, is black with white tips, and its wings are a dusky black with two vibrant yellow wing bars and similarly colored feather edging. The underparts are a pure, unbroken yellow. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though juveniles can be distinguished by a greyer upper head, buff wing markings, and paler underparts.

Habitat

The Common Tody-Flycatcher is a familiar sight in gardens, shady plantations, and areas of secondary growth. It is also found at the edges and clearings of forests, though it shuns the dense heart of mature woodlands and arid regions.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, extending from southern Mexico through to northwestern Peru, eastern Bolivia, and parts of Brazil, including the southern, eastern, and northeast regions.

Behaviour

These birds are typically encountered in pairs, engaging in rapid, darting flights or hovering to glean small arthropods from the foliage. They exhibit a characteristic tail wagging as they flit sideways along branches.

Song & Calls

The male Common Tody-Flycatcher vocalizes a rapid, grasshopper-like ticking call reminiscent of a tropical kingbird. At dawn, it may unleash a song composed of a very fast, high-pitched 'tic' that can be repeated up to 110 times a minute, continuing for several minutes.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from sea level up to 1,150 meters, and in some locales, as high as 1,500 meters. Both sexes collaborate in constructing a pouch-like nest with a side entrance, often suspended from a slender branch or vine. The female incubates the typically two unspotted white eggs for a period of 15–16 days until they hatch.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Common Tody-Flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at present.

In the voice of David Attenborough: "In the verdant realms of Central and South America, the Common Tody-Flycatcher flits about with an air of purpose, its vibrant yellow underparts a flash of color against the greenery. This tiny bird, with its remarkable bill and zestful behavior, is a testament to the diversity and adaptability of our planet's avian life."