Hemitriccus orbitatus
The Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, scientifically known as Hemitriccus orbitatus, is a diminutive and distinctive member of the Tyrannidae family, a diverse group of New World flycatchers. Measuring approximately 10-11 cm (4 inches) in length and weighing just 7-9 grams, this small passerine is characterized by its bright olive-green upperparts, pale yellowish underparts, and most notably, a striking white eye-ring that gives the species its common name. The head also features dusky lores and ear-co...
This species primarily inhabits the understory and mid-story of humid Atlantic Forest, often favoring forest edges, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth from lowlands up to approximately 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) in elevation.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of small insects and other arthropods, which it captures by gleaning from foliage or making short, aerial sallies from a perch.
The Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant is typically a solitary or paired bird, though it may occasionally join mixed-species foraging flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. It exhibits an active foraging style, primarily sallying out from a perch to snatch insects from leaves and twigs, or perfor...
The Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant has a restricted range, primarily found within the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern South America. Its distribution spans eastern Paraguay, northeastern Argentina (specifically Misiones province), and southeastern Brazil, extending from Bahia south through Minas Ge...
Near Threatened
- The Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant is one of the smallest flycatchers in its range, often weighing less than a quarter of an ounce. - Its scientific name, *Hemitriccus orbitatus*, directly references its most distinguishing feature: 'orbitatus' means 'provided with an eye-ring. - Unlike many flycatcher...