Nonnula amaurocephala
The Chestnut-headed Nunlet (Nonnula amaurocephala) is a small, enigmatic member of the Bucconidae family, often referred to as puffbirds and nunlets, and belongs to the order Galbuliformes. This compact bird measures about 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length, characterized by a strikingly rufous-chestnut crown, nape, and sides of the head that contrast with its otherwise duller brownish upperparts. Its throat and upper breast are a rich rufous-chestnut, fading to a whitish belly. Field marks include...
Found in the understory of humid, lowland tropical rainforests, particularly terra firme (non-flooded) forests. It often prefers dense, shaded vegetation near streams or small clearings.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods including beetles, butterflies, moths, their larvae, and spiders, caught by sallying from a perch.
The Chestnut-headed Nunlet is a rather inconspicuous bird, typically observed sitting motionless on a low, shaded perch for extended periods. Its primary foraging strategy involves sally-gleaning or sally-striking: it sallies out to catch flying insects in mid-air or gleans them from foliage and ...
The Chestnut-headed Nunlet's geographic distribution is restricted to the western Amazon Basin in South America. Its primary range includes eastern Peru (specifically in the departments of Loreto and Ucayali), western Brazil (across the states of Amazonas, Rondônia, and Acre), and northern Bolivi...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut-headed Nunlet is one of only six species in the genus Nonnula, making it a relatively small and specialized group of birds. - Despite its distinctive head, it is notoriously difficult to spot due to its quiet, sedentary nature and preference for dense understory. - Birders often re...