Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Animalia Coraciiformes Todidae Todus Todus mexicanus
The diminutive Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus ) is a tiny 11 cm emerald and yellow insectivore, weighing just 5-6 grams . Locally dubbed “San Pedrito” (Little Saint Peter) or “medio peso” (half-dollar) for its coin-sized body, this noisy rainforest bird is endemic across Puerto Rico.
Common Name(s) : Puerto Rican Tody, San Pedrito, Medio Peso, Little Saint Peter Bird, Half Dollar BirdFamily : TodidaeBody Dimensions : 11 cmMale Plumage Color(s) : Emerald Green Back, Yellow Flanks, Red ThroatFemale Plumage Color(s) : Emerald Green Back, Yellow Flanks, Red ThroatHabitat : Rainforests Diet : Insects, Spiders Lizards Frogs Native Countries : Puerto RicoContinent(s) : North AmericaTaxonomy Classification Year : 1838Taxonomist(s) : René-Primevère Lesson
https://www.bioexplorer.net/file/Puerto-Rican-Tody.mp3
Puerto Rican Tody Fun Facts Image Source: ©[WMarissen] from Getty Images via Canva With gray eyes, males sport a red throat matching their lower mandible, while females have white eyes. Almost perpetually bobbing its oversized bill, the Puerto Rican Tody sallies from high perches to snatch up insects and spiders [1] . Nesting February-June, pairs excavate 25-35 cm burrows, laying 1-4 bright white eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks over 3 weeks until they become fledged. Interestingly, this species can lower its body temperature by 14°C to conserve energy The Puerto Rican Tody inhabits damp montane broadleaf forests rich in insects, its primary food. But coffee plantations and thickets also provide adequate habitat. Still, nest predation by introduced Indian mongooses and Habitat Loss While clashes between territorial todies spark aggressive displays, these tiny birds tolerate other species. Roosting solitarily, the Puerto Rican Tody’s reliance on abundant mature trees Considered Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, protecting prime breeding sites and habitat will help ensure Puerto Rico’s smallest endemic avian resident—the “half dollar bird ” tody – retains its diminutive place on the island[2] . Cite This Page
[1] – “Overview – Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus) – Neotropical Birds” . Accessed December 26, 2023. Link .[2] – “The birds of North and Middle America : a descriptive catalogue of the higher groups, genera, species, and subspecies of birds known to occur in North America, from the Arctic lands to the Isthmus of Panama, the West Indies and other islands of the Caribbean sea, and the Galapagos Archipelago : Ridgway, Robert, 1850-1929 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive” . Accessed December 26, 2023. Link .
