Overview
The Broad-billed Tody (Todus subulatus) is one of two endemic tody species inhabiting the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Belonging to the order Coraciiformes and the endemic West Indian family Todidae, this diminutive, hyperactive avian gem thrives across arid lowlands, coastal scrub, and dry scrub forests.
Biology and Physical Characteristics
Broad-billed todies display brilliant emerald-green upperparts, a sparkling ruby-red throat patch bordered with white, a yellow wash on the flanks, and a broad, flattened bill with a bright red lower mandible. They are distinguished from their sympatric relative, the Narrow-billed Tody, by their broader beak, yellow flank wash, and lower-altitude dry habitat preferences.
Behavior and Ecology
Todies exhibit a distinctive feeding technique known as the ‘under-leaf sally,’ perching quietly with bill tilted upward before darting upward to pluck insects from the undersides of leaves with an audible snap of the bill. Both mates excavate a burrow measuring up to 60 cm (24 in) deep into vertical clay or sandy banks, incubating a clutch of three to four glossy white eggs.
Conservation and Human Impact
The Broad-billed Tody is evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN, maintaining resilient and stable populations throughout the Dominican Republic. It readily adapts to modified habitats, including shaded cacao and coffee agroforests, although localized threats include mongoose predation at nest burrows.
Interesting Factoid
The Broad-billed Tody has one of the highest metabolic and feeding rates among Caribbean birds, catching thousands of flying insects every day by darting upward from perches with an audible bill snap!
Last updated: October 2026