Image via Macaulay Library
Jamaican Tody
- Scientific name
- Todus todus
- Family
- Todidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest deciduous
- Wing shape
- Rounded
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Jamaican Tody, or Todus todus, is a species endemic to the island of Jamaica, where it occupies a distinct niche as one of the five species within the Todidae family. Evolutionary biologists categorize these birds as remnants of an older lineage of Coraciiformes, which explains their specialized morphology. They were formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, reflecting the growing European interest in the unique biodiversity of the Caribbean during the mid-18th century.
The design of the Jamaican Tody is a testament to natural selection's focus on specialized hunting. Its rounded wings provide the necessary maneuverability for rapid, short-distance flights within dense undergrowth, while its distinctly notched tail aids in balance and sudden changes in direction while hawking insects. These physical traits, combined with its signature vibrant green plumage, have made the bird a subject of both scientific admiration and local cultural significance, often cited as a quintessential example of island-specific adaptation.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Jamaican Tody
Jamaican Tody is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Jamaican Tody on collecto.rs?
Jamaican Tody doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Jamaican Tody?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Jamaican Tody catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Jamaican Tody is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
