The narrow-billed tody (Todus angustirostris) is a small, brightly colored bird that is endemic to the island of Hispaniola. It is one of two species of tody that live on the island, the other being the broad-billed tody (Todus subulatus).
Narrow-billed todies are found in a variety of habitats, including montane forests, cloud forests, and coffee plantations. They are typically seen perched on branches or leaves, where they search for insects and other small prey.
Narrow-billed todies are known for their loud calls, which they use to communicate with each other. They also have a distinctive mating dance, which involves the male spreading his wings and tail and making a series of clicking noises.
Physical Description
Narrow-billed todies are small birds, measuring about 4-5 inches in length. They have a slender build, a long, pointed bill, and a short tail. The male and female have similar plumage, but the male is slightly larger and has a brighter red throat patch.
The upperparts of the narrow-billed tody are green, with a blue-green wash on the wings and tail. The underparts are white, with a buffy wash on the breast. The throat patch is red in the male and orange in the female.
Behavior
Narrow-billed todies are active birds, and they are often seen flitting from branch to branch in search of food. They are insectivores, and their diet consists of a variety of insects, including flies, beetles, and caterpillars.
Narrow-billed todies are also known for their loud calls, which they use to communicate with each other. The male has a distinctive mating call, which he uses to attract a mate. The call is a series of high-pitched whistles, which are often followed by a clicking sound.
Mating and Reproduction
Narrow-billed todies breed during the wet season, which on Hispaniola runs from May to November. The female lays 2-3 eggs in a nest that is made of leaves and twigs. The eggs hatch after about 15 days, and the young birds fledge after about 20 days.
Conservation Status
The narrow-billed tody is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, the population is declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conclusion
The narrow-billed tody is a beautiful and fascinating bird that is endemic to the island of Hispaniola. It is a small bird with a loud call and a distinctive mating dance. Narrow-billed todies are active and insectivorous, and they are often seen flitting from branch to branch in search of food.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the narrow-billed tody and the broad-billed tody?
The narrow-billed tody is smaller and has a shorter tail than the broad-billed tody. The narrow-billed tody also has a red throat patch in the male, while the broad-billed tody does not.
- Where can I see a narrow-billed tody?
Narrow-billed todies are found in a variety of habitats on the island of Hispaniola, including montane forests, cloud forests, and coffee plantations. They are most likely to be seen in the morning or evening, when they are actively searching for food.
- What is the conservation status of the narrow-billed tody?
The narrow-billed tody is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, the population is declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
- What are some threats to the narrow-billed tody?
The main threats to the narrow-billed tody are habitat loss and fragmentation. The island of Hispaniola is experiencing rapid deforestation, which is destroying the narrow-billed tody’s habitat. Additionally, the narrow-billed tody is susceptible to hunting and trapping.
- What can be done to help the narrow-billed tody?
There are a number of things that can be done to help the narrow-billed tody, including:
- Protecting and restoring the narrow-billed tody’s habitat
- Reducing hunting and trapping
- Raising awareness about the narrow-billed tody
By taking these steps, we can help to ensure the survival of this beautiful and fascinating bird.
