Notharchus pectoralis
The Black-breasted Puffbird (Notharchus pectoralis) is a striking, medium-sized neotropical bird, instantly recognizable by its stout, large-headed appearance and bold plumage. Measuring approximately 23-25 cm (9-10 inches) in length and weighing between 85-97 grams, this species exhibits glossy blue-black upperparts contrasting sharply with a broad, prominent black breast band, pristine white belly, and white under-tail coverts. Distinctive field marks include a narrow white forehead stripe,...
Primarily inhabits humid lowland and foothill tropical/subtropical forests, often found along forest edges, in secondary growth, or plantations, typically up to 1000m elevation but occasionally higher.
Feeds primarily on large insects such as cicadas, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and butterflies, occasionally supplementing with spiders or small lizards, captured by sallying from a perch.
Black-breasted Puffbirds are diurnal and largely solitary or found in pairs, exhibiting a remarkably sedentary 'sit-and-wait' foraging strategy. They spend long periods perched motionless and upright on open, horizontal branches, often at eye level or higher, patiently scanning for prey. Foraging...
The Black-breasted Puffbird is a resident species distributed across Central and northern South America. Its range extends from extreme eastern Honduras (rare vagrant) and Nicaragua, south through the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica and Panama. In South America, it is found extensively in the Pacif...
Least Concern
- The name 'Puffbird' refers to their tendency to 'puff up' their feathers, making them appear even stockier and rounder, particularly when alarmed or resting. - Despite their often striking calls, Black-breasted Puffbirds are notoriously difficult to spot due to their habit of perching motionles...