Puerto Rican Tody

Description:

The Puerto Rican Tody has been researched because of its unusual body temperature, body temperature control and temperature control abilities. Puerto Rican Todies exhibit lower body temperatures than other todies and have also exhibited heterothermy over a range of temperatures.[3] Most coraciiformes have a body temperature of 40 °C, but Puerto Rican Todies can maintain a body temperature of 36.7 °C. This allows them to spend 33% less energy than other coraciiformes.[4] Puerto Rican Todies can lower their body temperatures by 14 °C and remain fully active, respond to stimuli and take flight.

Habitat:

The Puerto Rican Tody can be found throughout the main island of Puerto Rico. It is found predominantly in forested areas, especially in high-altitude damp forests where insect concentrations are higher, as well as in the dense forests in the southern region of the island.