Hemitriccus nidipendulus
The Hangnest Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus nidipendulus) is a diminutive and engaging passerine, a true gem of the South American avifauna. Measuring a mere 10-11 cm in length and weighing just 7-8 grams, this tiny tyrant-flycatcher sports a slender build and cryptically charming plumage. Its upperparts are a dull olive-green, contrasting subtly with a pale yellowish wash on its belly and flanks, while its breast is a slightly dingier olive-grey. Key identification features include a dusky greyish...
Typically found in the understory and mid-story of humid broadleaf forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and clearings, often near streams or damp areas, at elevations generally below 1000 meters.
Feeds almost exclusively on small insects and spiders, primarily captured through active sally-gleaning or gleaning from foliage in the forest understory.
The Hangnest Tody-Tyrant is a highly active and diurnal species, typically observed singly or in pairs, flitting restlessly through the dense undergrowth. It employs a "sally-gleaning" foraging strategy, perching upright on a slender branch before darting out to snatch insects from the undersides...
The Hangnest Tody-Tyrant is a resident species distributed across a significant portion of southeastern South America, with its range primarily encompassing the Atlantic Forest biome. Its breeding and year-round distribution extends through southeastern Brazil, where it can be found from the stat...
Least Concern
- The Hangnest Tody-Tyrant’s scientific name, *nidipendulus*, directly translates to "hanging nest," a nod to its extraordinary architectural skills. - Its nest can be up to 30 cm long, a remarkable feat for a bird barely 10 cm in length, often constructed with a narrow entrance near the top. - D...