Todirostrum pictum
The Painted Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum pictum) is a diminutive yet strikingly patterned Neotropical passerine, typically measuring 9.5-10.5 cm in length and weighing a mere 7-8 grams. Its most distinctive field mark is a vivid scarlet stripe extending from behind the eye to the ear-coverts, contrasting sharply with its black head, prominent white supercilium, and bright yellow underparts. The back is black, and the black wings are adorned with two conspicuous yellow bars, making it a truly ...
This species primarily inhabits humid tropical and subtropical lowland forests, preferring forest edges, clearings, and mature secondary growth, typically found at elevations below 1000 meters.
The diet of the Painted Tody-Flycatcher consists almost exclusively of small insects and other arthropods, which it obtains primarily through active gleaning from foliage and occasional short sallying flights.
The Painted Tody-Flycatcher is a highly active and diurnal insectivore, constantly on the move through the lower and mid-canopy strata. Its foraging strategy is characterized by an energetic 'gleaning' technique, systematically searching for insects and spiders on the undersides of leaves and alo...
The Painted Tody-Flycatcher is a widespread resident throughout much of northern South America. Its continuous breeding range extends from eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and eastern Peru, across northern Bolivia, and eastward through southern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and mu...
Least Concern
- Its common name, "Tody-Flycatcher," comes from its striking resemblance and active foraging style, reminiscent of the colorful Todies found exclusively in the Caribbean. - Despite its tiny size, often under 11 cm, its vivid scarlet eye-stripe and bright yellow underparts make it remarkably cons...