Hemitriccus zosterops
The White-eyed Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus zosterops) is a diminutive and active member of the Tyrannidae family, New World flycatchers, endemic to the Amazon basin. Measuring a mere 9-10 cm (3.5-3.9 in) and weighing 6-7 grams, this bird presents a subtle yet striking appearance. Its upperparts are olive-green, contrasting with pale yellowish underparts, and its most diagnostic feature is the conspicuous white eye-ring that gives the species its common and scientific names (zosterops meaning 'gi...
This species primarily inhabits humid lowland evergreen forests, typically found in the understory and mid-story layers, often near water bodies or forest edges.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of small arthropods, primarily insects, which it captures by sallying and gleaning from foliage.
The White-eyed Tody-Tyrant is a highly active, diurnal bird, usually observed alone or in pairs. It employs a 'sally-glean' foraging strategy, perching motionless before darting out for short flights to snatch insects from the undersides of leaves or twigs, or occasionally hover-gleaning. It freq...
The White-eyed Tody-Tyrant is a resident species distributed widely across the Amazon basin of South America. Its range extends from southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and eastern Peru, across northern Bolivia, and throughout much of Amazonian Brazil, including the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname,...
Least Concern
- The 'zosterops' in its scientific name (Hemitriccus zosterops) directly translates from Greek to 'girdle-eye' or 'white-eye,' precisely describing its most prominent feature. - Despite its widespread range, its small size and preference for dense undergrowth mean it's more often identified by i...