Notharchus tectus
The Pied Puffbird (Notharchus tectus) is a strikingly patterned member of the Bucconidae family, commonly known as puffbirds, within the order Piciformes. This diminutive species, measuring just 14–16 cm (5.5–6.3 in) in length and weighing 22–26 g (0.78–0.92 oz), is instantly recognizable by its bold black and white plumage. Key identification marks include a glossy black head and back, a prominent broad white collar encircling the nape, a distinct black band across the breast, and a pure whi...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical lowland moist forests, the Pied Puffbird also frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and heavily degraded former forest areas.
The Pied Puffbird's diet consists mainly of large insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, supplemented occasionally with spiders. It captures prey through a 'sit-and-wait' sallying technique.
This largely sedentary bird employs a classic 'sit-and-wait' foraging strategy, perching motionless for extended periods on exposed branches in the forest subcanopy, often quite low. When an insect or spider is spotted, it sallies forth with a quick flight, snatches its prey, and returns to its p...
The Pied Puffbird boasts a wide distribution across Central and South America, residing in tropical and subtropical lowlands. Its range extends from southeastern Costa Rica and Panama, southward through Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia. Eastward, it is found throughou...
Least Concern
- The Pied Puffbird is the smallest species within the diverse puffbird family (Bucconidae). - They are notably tame for a wild bird, often allowing birdwatchers to approach quite closely without flushing. - This species is a unique cavity nester, frequently excavating its nest tunnel in arboreal...