The Common Tody-flycatcher is distributed from Mexico through Central America and into most of tropical South America except for western and central Amazonia. See the distribution map at xeno-canto.

It is found in shrubs around clearings, forest borders and in woodlands as well as parks and gardens.

It has a pale iris, a black crown and face turning to grey on the back. The wings are black edged yellow while the tail is black with whitish tips. Underparts are yellow.

The second part of the Brazilian name relógio means clock or watch and refers to the trilled call which sounds like the winding up of a watch.