Todus mexicanus
The Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus), locally known as "San Pedrito," is a dazzling, diminutive member of the order Coraciiformes, and one of only five species in the Tody family (Todidae). Measuring a mere 11 cm (4.3 in) in length and weighing just 5-7 grams (0.18-0.25 oz), it is often hailed as a "living jewel" due to its striking emerald green upperparts, bright red throat (gular patch), yellow-green flanks, and a pale yellow belly with a hint of white. Its most distinctive field mark i...
Found exclusively in the humid, shaded broadleaf forests of Puerto Rico, ranging from sea level up to higher elevations (over 1000 meters). Prefers dense understory and areas near water, such as along streams or in ravines, with suitable earthen banks for nesting.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide variety of arthropods, including insects, spiders, and occasionally small lizards, which it catches with swift aerial sallies or by gleaning from foliage.
The Puerto Rican Tody is a diurnal, highly active bird that spends its day foraging and maintaining its territory. Its foraging strategy is distinct, involving short, rapid sallies from a perch to snatch insects from the undersides of leaves, a technique sometimes described as "butterfly-catching...
The Puerto Rican Tody is strictly endemic to the island of Puerto Rico, where it is widely distributed across various forest types. Its range encompasses the main island, inhabiting both humid and semi-arid regions, from sea level coastal areas up through the lower montane and montane forests, re...
Least Concern
- The Puerto Rican Tody is the smallest member of its avian order, Coraciiformes, which also includes kingfishers, bee-eaters, and rollers. - It is known locally as "San Pedrito," translating to "Little Saint Peter," a name possibly derived from its vibrant red throat, reminiscent of clerical rob...