Bird · GBIF taxon 2475386
Puerto Rican Tody
Todus mexicanusAlso known as San Pedrito
Puerto Rican todies are vibrant, jewel-like birds that sit quietly on low perches while scanning the undersides of foliage for hidden prey. When an insect is spotted, they execute sudden upward sallies with a distinctive whirring wingbeat before returning to a perch. Pairs work together to excavate deep burrow nests inside earthen banks, defending their territory with sharp, nasal vocalizations.
EndemicInsectivoreTropical
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Spiders
- Small lizards
Predators
- Small Indian mongoose
- Feral cats
- Broad-winged hawk
ThreatsHabitat loss, introduced predators, severe hurricanes
HabitatsMoist mountain forests, dry scrublands, shaded plantations
Life span3–6 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTodidae
- SpeciesTodus mexicanus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Spot these tiny birds by listening for their loud, nasal beep sounds along forest paths.
- Scan leaf undersides: Look into dense lower foliage where they sit with bill tilted upward scanning for prey.
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