Fauna
Bird

Puerto Rican Tody

Todus mexicanus

Also 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
Puerto Rican Tody reference1 / 6
(c) Tom Kennedy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInsects, 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
Classification
  1. FamilyTodidae
  2. SpeciesTodus mexicanus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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