Todus multicolor
The Cuban Tody, Todus multicolor, is a dazzling jewel of the Cuban avifauna, one of five species in the unique Todidae family, all endemic to the Caribbean. This tiny avian marvel measures just 10-11 cm (4-4.5 inches) in length and weighs a mere 4-6 grams, making it one of Cuba's smallest birds. Its plumage is a vibrant emerald green across its upperparts, contrasting sharply with a brilliant crimson throat patch (smaller or absent in females), a white belly, and distinctive sky-blue flanks t...
Resident in various forested habitats across Cuba, including humid and dry forests, mangroves, and dense scrub, from sea level up to mountainous regions.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects including crickets, beetles, flies, and spiders. They also consume small lizards and occasionally small fruits or berries, mainly acquired through sally-gleaning and aerial flycatching.
Cuban Todies are diurnal and typically observed singly or in pairs, though they maintain a surprisingly high degree of activity. They are quintessential sit-and-wait predators, perching inconspicuously on a branch, often with their heads tilted upwards, scanning for prey. Once a suitable insect i...
The Cuban Tody is strictly endemic to Cuba, its surrounding islets, and archipelagos, making it an exclusive resident of this Caribbean nation. Its distribution encompasses the entire main island of Cuba, from the westernmost tip in Pinar del Río to the easternmost regions of Guantánamo. It is al...
Least Concern
- The Cuban Tody is often considered the smallest bird in Cuba by weight, rivaling the Bee Hummingbird for the title of smallest Cuban avian resident. - Locally, it's affectionately known as "Cartacuba," meaning "paper cutter," a whimsical reference to its flattened, scissor-like bill. - Unlike m...