National birds serve as powerful representations of a nation’s natural heritage and identity. Chosen for their unique connection to the land, they highlight a country’s ecological distinctiveness and biodiversity.
The Puerto Rican Tody
Puerto Rico’s national bird is the Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus). This diminutive bird measures about 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) in length and weighs 5 to 6 grams. It has local nicknames like “San Pedrito” (Little Saint Peter) or “medio peso” (half-dollar). Its striking plumage features emerald green upperparts, bright yellow flanks, a white belly, a vivid red throat, and a broad, flat bill. Males have gray eyes; females have white eyes.
The Puerto Rican Tody has a distinctive call, a loud, nasal “beep” or “be-beep,” often accompanied by a bobbing motion resembling push-ups. These birds are cavity nesters, excavating burrows up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) deep in earth banks, typically between February and June. Both parents incubate the one to four bright white eggs, which hatch after approximately 21 days. The tody primarily feeds on insects, using a “leaf-feeding” technique to snatch prey from leaves or in mid-air. Its diet includes a wide range of insects, spiders, and occasionally small lizards or frogs.
Symbolic Significance and Conservation
The Puerto Rican Tody was chosen as the island’s national bird because it is an endemic species, found exclusively on the main island of Puerto Rico. It is one of only five Tody species, each unique to a specific Greater Antillean island. The bird’s widespread presence across various habitats, from damp montane forests to coffee plantations, solidifies its connection to the island’s diverse landscape.
Its cultural recognition, evidenced by affectionate local names, underscores its place in the island’s natural heritage. The Puerto Rican Tody is classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not at high risk of extinction. However, it faces threats such as nest predation by introduced Indian mongooses and habitat loss from deforestation and changes in agricultural practices, particularly the conversion of shaded coffee farms to sun-exposed ones. Conservation efforts, including protected areas like the Luquillo Forest Reserve, aim to safeguard its habitats and ensure its continued survival.