Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Have you ever wondered whether Jacob resented his given name? Did he hold it against his parents for giving him such a derisive title and did it do anything to shape the decisions he made? That’s something we have no way of knowing, but somehow or the other I expected a saucy bird like the Common Tody-Flyctcher to have a better storyline behind its name than it does. This tiny bird with the big head is a common nester from the southern part of Mexico to northwestern Peru. Found among scattered trees and scrub, this sociable bird flits among the foliage, often with its tail cocked jauntily over its back.
Frequently seen in pairs, even outside the nesting season, this brightly colored tyrant flycatcher can often be found near human dwellings so has become a favorite of many. With such a vibrant personality, one might expect some, however remote, connection with an Irish pub and a hot toddy, but such is not the case. Instead, the hyphenated name apparently has some connection to the Caribbean family of todies which this bird may vaguely resemble. If one wishes to go back even further, the term comes from a Latin word used by the Roman playwright Plautus for a small bird—not exactly the stuff of headlines.
I’m reasonably certain this lack of luster behind its name has had no effect on this sprite, for it continues wagging its tail as it makes its way among the branches. On the other hand, we find it much more difficult to ignore names or titles that seem to diminish the recognition we somehow feel we deserve. Paul, writing to the church in Thessalonica, helped to put things in their proper order. Instead of being so worried about their own reputation, he encouraged the believers to be more concerned with the Lord’s reputation. “So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:12 ESV)