Puffbird

Bucconidae Diversity

Notharchus pectoralis

Chestnut-capped Puffbird

Nystalus chacuru -Extrema, Minas Gerais, Brazil-8

Hypnelus ruficollis - Russet-throated Puffbird

BARBUDO-RAJADO ( Malacoptila striata )

Puffbirds are a family of near passerine birds, comprising the family Bucconidae. They are found in Central and South America. Puffbirds are named for their fluffy plumage and somewhat rotund appearance. They are related to the jacamars but are more terrestrial in nature. These birds are primarily insectivorous, though they may also consume small vertebrates.

Description

Puffbirds range in size from small to medium, with stout bodies and large heads, giving them a somewhat puffed-up appearance, hence their name. They have short legs and their tail is typically short as well. Their plumage is generally dull, featuring browns, grays, and whites, which helps them blend into their forest habitats. Puffbirds have broad bills with a hooked tip, adapted for their insectivorous diet.

Habitat and Distribution

Puffbirds are found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. Their habitat primarily consists of tropical forests, including lowland rainforests, cloud forests, and secondary forests. They are generally sedentary birds, with most species not undertaking long migrations.

Behavior

Puffbirds are solitary or found in pairs. They are sit-and-wait predators, often remaining motionless for long periods as they watch for prey from a perch. Once they spot an insect or small animal, they swoop down to capture it. Their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards and frogs.

Reproduction

The nesting habits of puffbirds are unique among birds. They typically nest in tunnels, which they excavate in earthen banks or termite mounds. A clutch usually consists of two to four white eggs. Both parents share in the incubation duties and in feeding the young.

Conservation

Many puffbird species are considered to be of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although habitat destruction and deforestation pose threats to some species. Efforts to preserve their habitats are crucial for the continued survival of puffbird species.

Taxonomy

The family Bucconidae is divided into several genera, with a total of about 36 species. The taxonomy of puffbirds is an area of ongoing research, with molecular studies occasionally leading to revisions in their classification.

See Also

• Birds of prey
• Tropical forest
• Conservation status