The Narrow-Billed Tody is a small bird that boasts a delightful charm. With its large head, long bill, and short tail, this avian treasure weighs a mere 7.5 grams (0.26 oz). A luminous palette of colors adorns its upperparts and head, featuring bright green hues complemented by a vibrant carmine red chin and throat, divided by a subtle mallar stripe. The neck and breast sides exhibit a distinguished dark gray shade, while the rest of the breast and belly area gleams in pure white. The flanks radiate a soft pink to red tint, while the upper wings shimmer in bright green, juxtaposed by a yellowish underwing area.
The Narrow-Billed Tody graces the verdant forests and jungles of Hispaniola, particularly in elevated regions above 700 meters. As one of two species of todies endemic to the island, it has carved a niche for itself within the dense, wet habitats that range from 900 to 2,400 meters in elevation. Its preferred diet consists primarily of insects, with a remarkable 49 families of insects identified as part of its menu. Interestingly, this species avoids larger butterflies and caterpillars, a preference distinct from its counterpart, the Broad-Billed Tody.
To woo potential mates, the Narrow-Billed Tody engages in captivating display flights, characterized by wing rattling and silent flights. Breeding occurs between April and July, with both males and females contributing to the excavation of nest burrows in earthen banks. Clutches of one to four glossy white eggs are laid, and both parents participate in the incubation process.
Originally deemed Near Threatened in 1988 by the IUCN, the Narrow-Billed Tody’s status has since been downgraded to Least Concern in 2004. However, this bird’s population remains unquantified, and it faces threats from habitat loss.
The Narrow-Billed Tody offers a glimpse into the intricate beauty of avian life in the Caribbean. With its distinctive characteristics and captivating behaviors, this charming bird stands as a symbol of the delicate balance between adaptation and conservation. As we celebrate its presence on Hispaniola, let us also advocate for the preservation of its habitat and the enchanting diversity it brings to our natural world.
