Todirostrum viridanum
The Maracaibo Tody-Flycatcher (*Todirostrum viridanum*) is a diminutive and active member of the Tyrannidae family, characteristic of the neotropical understory. Measuring a mere 9.5 to 10 cm in length and weighing just 6-8 grams, this tiny tyrant flycatcher sports vibrant green upperparts, a striking white throat, and brilliant yellow underparts. Its most distinctive field marks include a dark, almost blackish cap that extends to the eye, giving it a masked appearance, and two subtle yellowi...
This species inhabits dry to semi-humid deciduous forest, thorn scrub, and dense forest edges, often favoring areas with dense undergrowth or near water sources. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations, generally below 500 meters, but occasionally up to 800 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, its diet consists mainly of small insects and spiders, which it catches by gleaning from foliage or making short aerial sallies.
The Maracaibo Tody-Flycatcher is a highly active and restless bird, constantly flitting through the lower to mid-story vegetation, often flicking its wings and tail. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning small insects and spiders from the undersides of leaves and twigs, and it will also...
The Maracaibo Tody-Flycatcher has a restricted geographic distribution, primarily found in the Lake Maracaibo basin of northwestern Venezuela. Its range extends west into northeastern Colombia, specifically in the Guajira Peninsula and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This speci...
Least Concern
- At only 9.5-10 cm, the Maracaibo Tody-Flycatcher is one of the smallest members of the enormous Tyrannidae family. - Its flattened, pointed bill is a specialized tool for snatching small insects with precision. - Despite its tiny size, it is incredibly active and restless, constantly flitting t...