Todidae

Todidae is a family of small, brightly colored birds found in the tropical Americas. The family contains a single genus, Todius, and five species. These birds are commonly known as todies. Todies are insectivorous and catch their prey on the wing or by hawking from a perch. They are typically found in humid lowland forests and are often seen near rivers or streams.

The five species of todies are the Puerto Rican tody, the Cuban tody, the Hispaniolan tody, the Jamaican tody, and the Saint Lucia tody. All species share a similar appearance with short tails, long, broad bills, and brightly colored plumage. Their colors vary by species but often include green, blue, yellow, and red. Todies are generally solitary birds, though they may form small flocks during the breeding season. Their nests are typically excavated in earthen banks or tree cavities. The breeding season and clutch size vary by species.

Todies are well-adapted to their tropical forest habitats. Their brightly colored plumage may serve as camouflage or as a signal for mate attraction. Their long bills are useful for catching insects in flight. The family Todidae is thought to have originated in the Caribbean, and its distribution reflects the historical connections between the islands. Conservation status varies among the species, with some being common and others facing threats to their populations.