Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant

Overview

The eye-ringed tody-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, specifically a tyrant flycatcher endemic to Brazil. It is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is believed to be decreasing due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Small bird measuring 11.5 to 12 cm in length and weighing 9 to 10.5 g, with identical plumage in both sexes.
• Features a dark olive crown and back, yellow underparts, and a grayish white throat streaked with olive.
• Distinguished by a wide white eye-ring, white spots above the lores, and wide white edges on the innermost flight feathers.
• Song described as a "very high, slightly lowered, 'drrrih'".

Habitat

Found in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, ranging from eastern Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo to northeastern Rio Grande do Sul. It inhabits humid primary and secondary forests, typically between sea level and 600 m in elevation, but occasionally up to 1,000 m.

Diet

This species feeds on insects, typically foraging singly or in pairs within the forest interior between the understory and mid-story. It catches prey using short upward sallies from a perch to grab insects from the underside of leaves.

Did you know?

While the species is considered a year-round resident, very little is known about its breeding biology, with reports suggesting nests may be hanging "purses" or non-hanging balls containing two eggs, though no formal descriptions exist for the nest structure or parental care.