Hubbry Logo
TodyTodyMain
Open search
Tody
Community hub
Tody
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Tody
Tody
Tody
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Todies
Temporal range: 34–0 Ma[1] Oligocene to present
Cuban tody (Todus multicolor)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Todidae
Vigors, 1825
Genera

Todus
†Palaeotodus

Global range (in green)

The todies are a family, Todidae, of tiny Caribbean birds in the order Coraciiformes, which also includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers. The family has one living genus, Todus, and one genus known from the fossil record, Palaeotodus.

Taxonomy and systematics

[edit]

The todies were originally placed in the kingfisher genus Alcedo before being placed in the genus Todus in 1760 by Mathurin Jacques Brisson. They have been linked to a large number of potential relatives since then, including nightjars, trogons, barbets, jacamars, puffbirds, kingfishers, motmots and even some passerine species such as broadbills, cotingas and flowerpeckers. The todies were placed in their own order, Todiformes, before being placed in the Coraciiformes.[2]

Genetic analysis of the extant (living) species suggests that they diversified between 6-7 million years ago. The fossil record of the family is sparse, but three species of tody have been described from fossils found in North America, Germany and France, showing that the family was once more widespread than it is today. Species from the fossil genus, Palaeotodus, are larger than living species and may have been closer in size to the tody motmot.[2][3]

The phylogenetic relationship between the six families that make up the order Coraciiformes is shown in the cladogram below.[4][5][6] The number of species in each family is taken from the list maintained by Frank Gill, Pamela C. Rasmussen and David Donsker on behalf of the International Ornithological Committee (IOC).[7]

Coraciiformes

Meropidae – bee-eaters (31 species)

Brachypteraciidae – ground rollers (5 species)

Coraciidae – rollers (13 species)

Todidae – todies (5 species)

Momotidae – motmots (14 species)

Alcedinidae – kingfishers (118 species)

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

The todies are endemic to the islands of the Caribbean. These are small, near passerine species of forests of the Greater Antilles: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Cuba, with adjacent islands, have one species each, and Hispaniola has two: the broad-billed tody (Todus subulatus) in the lowlands (including Gonâve Island), and the narrow-billed tody (Todus angustirostris) in the highlands.[8][9]

Description

[edit]

Todies range in weight from 5 to 7 g and in length from 10 to 11.5 cm. They have colourful plumage and resemble kingfishers in their general shape. They have green heads, backs and wings, red throats (absent in immature Puerto Rican, broad-billed, and narrow-billed todies)[8] with a white and blue-grey stripe on each side, and yellow undertail coverts; the colour of the rest of the undersides is pale and varies according to species. The irises are pale grey. They have long, flattened bills (as do many flycatching birds) with serrated edges; the upper mandible is black and the lower is red with a little black. The legs, and especially the feet, are small.[9] Todies are highly vocal, except that the Jamaican tody seldom calls in the non-breeding season (August to November);[8] they give simple, unmusical buzzing notes, beeps, and guttural rattles, puffing their throats out with every call.[9] Their wings produce a "strange, whirring rattle", though mostly when courting or defending territory in the Puerto Rican tody.[8]

Behaviour and ecology

[edit]

Diet

[edit]

Todies eat small prey such as insects and lizards. Insects from 50 families have been identified in their diet, particularly grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, bugs, butterflies, bees, wasps, and ants, form the greater part of the diet. Spiders and millipedes may also be taken, as is a small amount of fruit (2% of the diet).[2]

Their preferred habitat for foraging is in the forest understory. Todies typically sit on a low, small branch, singly or in pairs, keeping still or stepping or hopping sideways. When they see prey moving on the lower surface of a leaf, they fly a short distance (averaging 2.2 m in the broad-billed tody and 1.0 m in the Puerto Rican tody),[8] diagonally upward to glean it. They may also take prey from the ground, occasionally chasing it with a few hops. Todies are generally sedentary; the longest single flight known for the broad-billed tody is 40 m.[8][9] Their activity is greatest in the morning when sunny weather follows rain, and in March and September.[8]

Todies are highly territorial but will join mixed-species foraging flocks composed of resident species and migrants from North America, when they pass through their territories.[2]

Breeding

[edit]

Like most of the Coraciiformes, todies nest in tunnels, which they dig with their beaks and feet in steep banks[9] or rotten tree trunks.[8] The tunnel is 30 cm long in the Cuban and narrow-billed todies, 30 to 60 cm in the broad-billed tody,[8] and ends in a nest chamber, generally not reused. They lay about four round white eggs in the chamber. Both parents incubate but are surprisingly inattentive to the eggs. The young are altricial and stay in the nest until they can fly. Both parents also care for the nestlings, much more attentively; they may feed each chick up to 140 times per day, the highest rate known among birds.[9]

Species list

[edit]
  • †Palaeotodus emryi
  • †Palaeotodus escampsiensis
  • †Palaeotodus itardiensis

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tody

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The todies are a family (Todidae) of tiny, brightly colored birds in the order , endemic to the in the . Comprising five species in the single genus Todus, they measure 10–11.5 cm in length and weigh 5–7 g, featuring brilliant emerald-green upperparts, a bright red throat, a long flat bill, and variably colored undersides such as yellow, pink, or blue flanks. These plump-bodied, large-headed birds resemble diminutive in shape and are primarily insectivores, perching motionless in the forest understory to sally forth for prey. Todies inhabit a range of forested environments across , , , and , including lowland rainforests, montane woodlands, coffee plantations, mangroves, and second-growth areas, often at elevations from to mid-montane zones. Each species is restricted to a single island or island group: the Cuban tody (Todus multicolor) to , Jamaican tody (T. todus) to , Puerto Rican tody (T. mexicanus) to , narrow-billed tody (T. angustirostris) to Haiti and the , and broad-billed tody (T. subulatus) to the . They forage mainly on like beetles, flies, and katydids, supplemented by spiders, small , and occasionally , using short flights to capture prey from foliage or the ground. Breeding occurs in spring, with pairs excavating burrows 25–35 cm deep in earthen banks or embankments, where females lay 2–4 white eggs incubated by both parents for about 22 days. Todies exhibit sedentary behavior, with limited vocalizations including high-pitched "tsee-tsee" calls and a distinctive wing-whirring display during . All five are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though populations face threats from habitat loss and invasive predators like mongooses. The family is ancient, with fossils indicating origins around 6–7 million years ago, making todies a key example of Caribbean avian .

Taxonomy

Etymology

The name "tody" originates from the Latin todus, referring to a small bird mentioned in ancient Roman texts by the playwright and the grammarian , likely describing a wren-like or similar diminutive . This term was revived in modern to describe the tiny birds due to their comparable size and appearance. The genus Todus was formally established by the French zoologist in 1760, with the Jamaican tody (Todus todus) designated as the , drawing from specimens observed and collected in the . 's description in his Ornithologie highlighted the bird's distinctive features, adapting the name to fit these newly documented species. The family name Todidae was coined by the Irish zoologist in 1825, encompassing the genus Todus and recognizing the group's unique characteristics within the avian order . This taxonomic placement stemmed from early 18th- and 19th-century explorations by European naturalists, such as Patrick Browne, who documented the birds' presence in Jamaican forests, facilitating their integration into scientific nomenclature.

Classification and evolution

The todies comprise the family Todidae, classified within the order , which encompasses a diverse array of near-passerine birds including , , rollers, and . The family includes a single , Todus, encompassing five extant endemic to the . This taxonomic placement reflects traditional morphological assessments, bolstered by molecular data confirming Todidae's position within a monophyletic . Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear and sequences, supported by recent phylogenomic studies, position Todidae as sister to the comprising Momotidae () and Alcedinidae (); together, these three families form a subclade that is sister to the remaining families (Meropidae, , and Brachypteraciidae). This relationship is robustly supported across multiple studies employing extensive genomic loci, highlighting Todidae's early divergence from other coraciiform lineages. estimates, calibrated with fossil constraints, indicate that Todidae diverged from the (Momotidae + Alcedinidae) around 54 million years ago and from the remaining (including ) around 57 million years ago, both during the Eocene and coinciding with the diversification of core in Laurasian paleotropical regions. The fossil record of Todidae is limited but provides key insights into their evolutionary origins, with the earliest tody-like remains dating to the . Notable specimens include Palaeotodus from the Phosphorites in , representing a stem-group tody with a specialized bill morphology akin to modern forms, though debates persist regarding its precise affinities due to incomplete preservation. Additional early fossils from , such as a postcranial tentatively assigned to Palaeotodus itardiensis, further document a more widespread distribution of tody ancestors across Eurasia before their restriction to the Caribbean. These Paleogene records suggest todies originated from a momotid-like ancestor, with subsequent adaptation to island environments. The of remains a point of contention in avian , with some morphological and early molecular studies questioning its integrity and proposing alternative groupings, such as elevating Momotidae to a separate order Momotiformes due to distinct osteological traits. However, comprehensive phylogenomic datasets consistently recover as , excluding formerly included families like Upupidae (hoopoes) and Bucerotidae (hornbills). The radiation of extant Todus species likely occurred via overwater dispersal following the Eocene divergence, with crown-group diversification in the , postdating the tectonic events facilitating the Great American Biotic Interchange.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The family Todidae, comprising five species of todies, is endemic to the in the , with no records from the mainland of Central or despite the region's proximity. These birds occupy the four largest islands of the archipelago: , (shared by and the ), , and , along with select adjacent smaller islands. The Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor) is distributed across and , while the (Todus mexicanus) is confined to and Vieques. On , the Jamaican Tody (Todus todus) is widespread, and hosts two species: the Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus) and the Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris), which exhibit partial elevational separation. The current distribution reflects historical vicariance events tied to the geological isolation of the , which began forming in the Eocene and stabilized by the , preventing and promoting lineage divergence. Molecular analyses indicate that the split of the Puerto Rican lineage from other todies occurred in the early Miocene, with subsequent radiations on the remaining islands during the to , consistent with driven by island . This pattern aligns with Wallace's principles of isolation fostering , as applied to Antillean avifauna, where tectonic uplift and sea-level changes created barriers without requiring long-distance dispersal. Fossil evidence from the and , including Palaeotodus in (Germany) and North American sites like , suggests todies once had a broader Holarctic range before contracting to the , likely due to climatic shifts and habitat loss. No vagrants have been recorded outside their native ranges, and distributions have remained stable since the Pleistocene, with no evidence of recent colonization or extinction events reshaping their occupancy.

Habitat preferences

Todies exhibit a strong preference for humid forested environments across the , including rainforests, cloud forests, and mangroves, where they occupy elevations ranging from sea level to over 3,000 meters. Species such as the Jamaican Tody (Todus todus) favor subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests up to 1,980 meters, while the Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor) extends into higher elevations reaching 2,400 meters in moist montane habitats. The (Todus mexicanus) and Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus) are similarly adapted to moist lowland forests but also tolerate subtropical dry shrublands and mangroves, though with lower densities in drier zones. Within these habitats, todies select microhabitats featuring dense vegetation and shaded, moist areas rich in leaf litter, which support their foraging needs while avoiding open or arid landscapes. For instance, the Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris) shows a major dependence on moist montane forests with thick undergrowth up to 3,200 meters, where it exploits shaded forest edges. Due to the stable , seasonal shifts in habitat use are minimal, with populations maintaining higher densities in consistently humid, vegetated zones year-round. As island endemics, todies demonstrate tolerance for secondary forests and plantations but remain sensitive to and , which can lead to population declines in altered landscapes. The Jamaican Tody, for example, persists in montane woodlands but experiences reduced abundance following tree cover loss from . Studies indicate that fragmentation, such as conversion to sun coffee plantations, negatively affects the by disrupting understory structure essential for nesting and foraging, though populations recover variably post-disturbances like hurricanes.

Physical description

Morphology

Todies are diminutive birds within the order, typically measuring 10 to 11.5 cm in total length and weighing between 5 and 7 g, which positions them among the smallest representatives of their group. Their overall build is compact and rounded, characterized by a disproportionately large head relative to the body, a short , and a notably short that contributes to their chunky appearance. The skeletal structure supports this compact form, with relatively reduced wing dimensions—averaging around 50 mm in length for species like the broad-billed tody (Todus subulatus)—that limit sustained flight to short bursts, typically no more than 40 m in distance. In contrast, the legs are sturdy and well-developed for their size, enabling efficient hopping and perching on , while the feet feature a standard perching arrangement adapted for gripping branches during and movement. The bill represents a key anatomical , being long and slender for the bird's scale (approximately 1.3–2.1 cm), thin, and pointed to facilitate probing into crevices and foliage for . exhibit minor variations in bill form; for instance, the broad-billed tody possesses a notably wider bill, measuring about 2.1 cm in length and 0.6 cm across at the base, compared to the narrower profiles in congeners like the narrow-billed tody (Todus angustirostris). Sexual dimorphism is minimal across the family, with males generally slightly larger than females in linear measurements such as wing length (e.g., 50 mm average for males versus 49.2 mm for females in the broad-billed tody), though overall body proportions remain similar between sexes. Juveniles possess comparable structural features to adults but at reduced scales during early development.

Plumage and coloration

Todies exhibit striking plumage dominated by vibrant on the dorsal surfaces, including the head, back, and wings, which provides effective among the foliage of their habitats. This green coloration arises primarily from structural mechanisms in the feathers, where yellow pigments interact with blue light to produce the characteristic emerald hue. The underparts are typically bright , contrasting sharply with a vivid throat patch also derived from carotenoid-based pigments, while the flanks and belly show paler tones. Iridescent effects, caused by , are evident on the crown and back, enhancing the visual appeal without compromising concealment. Species-specific variations in plumage add diversity to the family's appearance. For instance, the Jamaican Tody (Todus todus) features rose-colored flanks and a more yellowish belly, distinguishing it from congeners. The Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus) displays a yellow wash on the underparts, while the (Todus mexicanus) has yellow flanks and occasional blue tinges on the posterior upperparts. Bare orbital skin around the eyes is typically or pale, contributing to the birds' expressive facial features. These color differences, rooted in both and structural elements, facilitate recognition in their isolated ranges. Todies undergo an annual complete post-breeding molt, replacing all feathers to restore vibrant coloration after the wear of nesting and . Juveniles emerge with duller, browner tones—featuring grayish whites and subdued greens and yellows—gradually acquiring adult brightness within weeks. The dense, soft not only supports visual signaling but also aids by trapping moist air in humid tropical environments, helping maintain body temperature amid fluctuating conditions.

Behavior and ecology

Diet and foraging

Todies are primarily insectivorous birds, with insects comprising approximately 86% of their diet across species, including beetles (Coleoptera), flies (Diptera), ants (Hymenoptera), grasshoppers (Orthoptera), crickets, and other small arthropods such as spiders. Occasional non-insect items include small fruits and lizards, particularly Anolis species, which supplement the diet but rarely exceed 10-15% of intake. This composition reflects their adaptation to forested understories rich in invertebrate prey, where they target small, soft-bodied insects suitable for their slender bills. Foraging occurs mainly from low perches in the , at heights averaging 2-5 meters, using a combination of techniques to capture prey efficiently. The predominant method is or hover- from foliage, accounting for 80-87% of captures, where todies probe leaves with their bills or make short hovers to snatch from undersides. Aerial hawking via sally strikes or hovers comprises 8-20% of foraging efforts, involving brief flights of 1-3 meters to pursue flying , often accompanied by tail-pumping for balance. Less common behaviors include ground probing or near-perch jumps, with individuals perching for an average of 9-10 seconds between sallies. Their bills, adapted for precise probing, enable extraction of hidden prey without disturbing foliage. Todies maintain a high daily intake to support their small size and elevated metabolic demands, consuming up to 40% of their body weight in each day, equivalent to hundreds of individual prey items. Intake rates increase during the breeding season, with parents provisioning nestlings at frequencies exceeding 100 feeds per hour to meet growth needs. To offset their rapid , the can enter , reducing body temperature from a norm of 36.7°C to as low as 23.5°C, thereby conserving energy in cooler conditions. Seasonal variations in may involve shifts toward more aerial pursuits during drier periods when foliage-dwelling decline, though leaf-gleaning remains dominant year-round.

Reproduction

Todies typically breed from March to July across most species, with the timing often influenced by the onset of rainfall following the , which can cause yearly variations in breeding periods. Pairs are monogamous for the duration of a single breeding season. behaviors include males engaging in short aerial chases with females, accompanied by bill-snapping and wing-flicking that produces a distinctive rattling sound to strengthen pair bonds. Nesting pairs excavate burrows in sandy or earthen banks and embankments, usually positioned 0.5–1 m above the ground; the tunnel measures 25–35 cm in length and 3–4 cm in width, ending in an unlined chamber approximately 10 cm deep. Both sexes alternate digging over 6–8 weeks, with no additional materials added to the nest. Females lay a single clutch of 2–4 glossy white eggs per season, though clutch sizes average closer to 2 in some populations such as the . Incubation is shared by both parents and lasts 21–22 days, during which they maintain egg temperatures through frequent short shifts. Nestlings are altricial and brooded continuously for the first few days, with both parents providing ; fledging occurs after 20–25 days in the nest, after which young remain dependent on parental provisioning for 2–4 additional weeks. Breeding success varies from 40–60%, affected by factors like predation on nests and environmental conditions.

Vocalizations

Todies produce a range of simple, high-pitched vocalizations that serve primarily for territorial defense, pair communication, and signaling, reflecting their status as non-oscine birds with innate calls lacking complex repertoires typical of oscines. These sounds are often repetitive and unmusical, consisting of beeps, trills, whistles, and rattles, and are most frequent during the breeding season when pairs defend territories and interact socially. Unlike more elaborate avian , tody vocalizations emphasize short, functional phrases adapted for close-range transmission in dense forest understories. The primary call across tody species is a high-pitched, repetitive note used mainly for territory maintenance and pair contact. In the (Todus mexicanus), this takes the form of a characteristic beep or louder variant, delivered year-round but peaking from to May, often while the bird puffs out its throat. The Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor) emits a soft, rolling trill rendered as p-p-prr-reeee, repeated frequently and associated with territorial announcements. Similarly, the Jamaican Tody (Todus todus) produces a loud, nasal beep combined with a rapid guttural rattle (frrrup), primarily during the breeding period from December to July, though the species is otherwise relatively silent. These calls can reach rates of up to 7–10 notes per second in bursts, facilitating quick exchanges between individuals. Alarm calls are typically sharper and more abrupt, alerting mates or offspring to potential threats such as predators. Pairs often engage in duetting, where both members alternate chattering-rattling notes during territorial disputes or joint defense, enhancing coordination in their forested environments. These vocal exchanges help reinforce pair bonds and may play a brief role in courtship displays, where calls accompany mutual chasing. Vocal development in todies follows a predictable , with nestlings initially producing high-pitched squeaks that evolve into louder trills and eventually mature into the species-specific beeps a few days before fledging, as observed in the . This progression suggests innate structuring, though environmental cues from parents may refine delivery. Recording studies, including sonographic analyses, reveal that tody calls consist of multi-harmonic, downward-modulated notes with geographic variation even within , such as in the Cuban Tody, which supports their role in individual and species recognition amid limited ranges.

Conservation

Threats and challenges

Tody populations face significant threats from both human activities and natural events, which collectively challenge their persistence across islands. Habitat loss, primarily driven by for and , is a primary concern, particularly for species on where the Hispaniolan Tody (Todus subulatus) and Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris) occur. In , primary forest cover has declined from 4.4% of total land area in 1988 to just 0.32% as of 2016, severely fragmenting suitable woodland habitats essential for these birds. Similar pressures in the , though less extreme, contribute to ongoing habitat degradation across the shared island range, with approximately 20.5% loss of primary forests from 1996 to 2022. Natural disasters, especially hurricanes, pose acute risks by directly damaging nests and areas. For instance, the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused significant declines in site occupancy for the (Todus mexicanus), with the species estimated to have gone locally extinct at over 25 survey sites in Puerto Rico's forests due to widespread defoliation and structural changes. These events exacerbate instability, as todies rely on intact and earthen burrows for nesting, which can be flooded or eroded during storms. Recent data indicate continued forest loss, with losing 2.4 thousand hectares of natural forest in 2024 alone. Introduced predators represent another major human-induced threat, increasing nest predation rates across tody species. The small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata), rats (Rattus spp.), and feral cats (Felis catus) have been documented preying on eggs, nestlings, and adults, particularly in areas with degraded habitats where todies exhibit limited defensive behaviors. This impact is notable for the Puerto Rican Tody and Jamaican Tody (Todus todus), where invasive mammals contribute to population declines alongside habitat loss, often resulting in high nest failure rates. Climate change further compounds these challenges by altering rainfall patterns and temperature regimes, potentially disrupting breeding cycles and availability for these insectivorous birds. Projected warming may force elevational range shifts upward, especially for the Narrow-billed Tody confined to higher-altitude forests on , where suitable habitat is already limited and declining. In addition, intensified hurricane frequency under climate scenarios heightens vulnerability to episodic losses. Other anthropogenic factors include use in agricultural areas, which reduces populations of prey central to tody diets, indirectly affecting foraging success for species like the Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor). While illegal pet trade appears minimal for todies compared to larger parrots, occasional captures occur in accessible habitats, adding localized pressure.

Status and protection

All five species of todies in the family Todidae are classified as Least Concern on the as of 2025, reflecting their relatively stable populations despite restricted ranges endemic to the . However, their narrow distributions—limited to single islands or island pairs—warrant ongoing monitoring, as even modest habitat perturbations could elevate risks; for instance, the narrow-billed tody (Todus angustirostris) was previously assessed as Near Threatened in 1988 before being downlisted to Least Concern in 2004 due to improved of its extent. Global population sizes for todies remain unquantified, though they are generally described as common to fairly common within suitable forested habitats. Overall trends are stable or unknown, with no evidence of rapid declines qualifying any species for higher threat categories, though localized reductions occur in fragmented habitats due to factors like invasive predators affecting nest success rates. Protection measures include incorporation into key protected areas, such as in , where the (Todus mexicanus) is a common resident and benefits from forest preservation efforts covering about 32% of its range through Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). supports habitat restoration initiatives in the , including and control in tody habitats, to maintain ecosystem integrity across the family's distribution. No species requires captive breeding programs at present, given their Least Concern status and lack of imminent risks. Research gaps persist, particularly in obtaining precise population estimates and long-term trend data; systematic surveys are limited, and there is a need for expanded monitoring to track subtle changes in narrow-range endemics. platforms like eBird facilitate call-based tracking and distribution mapping, helping to fill these voids through community-submitted observations. The future outlook for todies is cautiously positive, with resilience to moderate disturbances evident in stable populations, though cumulative threats like habitat loss could pose challenges without continued protection.

Species

Diversity and distribution

The family Todidae comprises a single extant , Todus, which includes five of small, colorful birds endemic to the in the . No are currently recognized within the genus, although genetic and vocal variation in Cuban populations of the Cuban tody (T. multicolor) suggests the possibility of future taxonomic splits into incipient . These exhibit allopatric distributions, with one species each on (T. todus), (T. mexicanus), and (T. multicolor), and two on : the narrow-billed tody (T. angustirostris) and the broad-billed tody (T. subulatus). This pattern of island-specific has driven morphological divergence among the , including differences in bill shape, body size, and preferences, as a result of isolation on separate islands following ancient vicariance events. Genetic diversity within Todus is generally low, attributable to long-term isolation on small populations, which limits and effective population sizes. (mtDNA) analyses indicate species-level divergence times ranging from approximately 1 to 5 million years ago, consistent with the Miocene-Pliocene of the genus amid the tectonic formation and isolation of the . No confirmed recent extinctions have occurred among tody species, though fossil evidence points to prehistoric forms and a broader historical distribution beyond the current range, potentially including adjacent islands like . The Todidae represent one of only two entirely endemic bird families in the (the other being the palmchat family Dulidae), showcasing higher levels of than many other regional avian groups and underscoring the role of ancient island radiations in shaping the area's biodiversity.

List of species

The genus Todus comprises five species of todies, all endemic to the Greater Antilles and characterized by their small size, vibrant plumage, and specialized bills adapted to insectivory. Jamaican Tody (Todus todus Linnaeus, 1758) is endemic to , where it inhabits a wide range of forested and wooded habitats across the island, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 13,500 km². It features a relatively smaller bill compared to other todies and distinctive pinkish flanks, and its population is considered stable. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor Gould, 1837) is endemic to and nearby islets, occupying diverse habitats from dry forests to mangroves across an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 223,000 km². Notable for its green upperparts and multicolored throat (red, yellow, and white), it is considered common, though is unknown. The is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a decreasing trend. (Todus mexicanus Lesson, 1838) is endemic to , distributed throughout the main island in various forest types, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 9,900 km². It is distinguished by a prominent yellow orbital ring around the eye and is described as common. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris de Lafresnaye, 1851), also known as the Hispaniolan Tody, is endemic to (Haiti and the ), favoring lowland and mid-elevation forests with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 121,000 km². It has a notably narrow bill suited for extracting from and bark, and while fairly common overall, populations are declining due to habitat loss. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus Gray, 1847) is endemic to the mountainous regions of ( and the ), inhabiting humid forests at elevations up to 2,000 m with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 121,000 km². It possesses the broadest bill among todies and subtler blue-gray tones in its , and is considered uncommon to fairly common. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

References

  1. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/todida1/cur/introduction
  2. https://abcbirds.org/bird/broad-billed-tody/
  3. https://fatbirder.com/ornithology/todidae-todies/
  4. https://www.birdscaribbean.org/2018/01/the-mystery-of-the-missing-todies-understanding-the-impacts-of-invasive-mammals/
  5. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cuban-tody-todus-multicolor
  6. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/puerto-rican-tody-todus-mexicanus
  7. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/key-to-scientific-names/search?q=Todus
  8. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Todus
  9. https://www.gbif.org/species/2475383
  10. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2006.0523
  11. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2019.0122
  12. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-80479-8
  13. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.todida1.01
  14. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/todida1/cur/species
  15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15223035/
  16. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25150389
  17. https://www.coraciiformestag.com/Research/Motmot/VZ_70_Palaeotodus.pdf
  18. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/jamaican-tody-todus-todus
  19. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/narrow-billed-tody-todus-angustirostris
  20. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/broad-billed-tody-todus-subulatus
  21. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/purtod1/cur/conservation
  22. https://earthlife.net/todies/
  23. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brbtod1/cur/appearance
  24. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/purtod1/cur/appearance
  25. https://animalia.bio/broad-billed-tody
  26. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/purtod1/cur/foodhabits
  27. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/260412
  28. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=13452&context=condor
  29. https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1890/0012-9658(2000)081[0990:EEOTPR]2.0.CO;2
  30. https://jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco/article/download/643/554/3027
  31. https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v095n02/p0430-p0437.pdf
  32. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.purtod1.02
  33. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/nabtod1/cur/breeding
  34. https://celebrateurbanbirds.org/learn/birds/focal-species/puerto-rican-tody/
  35. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/purtod1/cur/breeding
  36. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.brbtod1.01
  37. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/purtod1/cur/sounds
  38. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cubtod1/cur/sounds
  39. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/jamtod1/cur/introduction
  40. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brbtod1/cur/sounds
  41. https://bioone.org/journals/the-wilson-journal-of-ornithology/volume-123/issue-1/10-003.1/Geographic-Song-Variation-in-the-Non-Oscine-Cuban-Tody-Todus/10.1676/10-003.1.short
  42. https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/animal-species-becoming-extinct-haiti-deforestation-nearly-complete
  43. https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/article/hispaniolas-changing-forests/
  44. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214432
  45. https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/HTI/
  46. https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/files/360823195/JCO_v35_96_107_NelsonDevenish_Nelson_DOI_b.pdf
  47. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/news/when-it-comes-pesticides-birds-are-sitting-ducks
  48. https://awionline.org/content/bird-trade
  49. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/nabtod1/cur/conservation
  50. https://www.birdlife.org/our-projects/
  51. https://ebird.org/science/status-and-trends
  52. https://www.britannica.com/animal/tody
  53. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1676/10-003.1
  54. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/nabtod1/cur/systematics
  55. https://www.jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco/article/download/747/667
  56. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=F9828C2AA45FB84D
  57. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=6C2B11357E4E4C49
  58. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=BB5B94D9179DF73F
  59. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=293EAE9AD8705C71
  60. https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=DC4EA5F15D51D9B4
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.