Nystalus obamai
The Western Striolated Puffbird (Nystalus obamai) is a striking, medium-sized avian resident of the humid Neotropical lowlands, recently described and named in honor of its discovery region's historical significance. Averaging 19-22 cm in length and weighing 45-60 grams, it exhibits a robust build characteristic of the puffbird family (Bucconidae), with a disproportionately large head, a stout, sharply pointed black bill, and a somewhat fluffy appearance, especially around the head and breast...
Inhabits the understory and lower to mid-canopy of tropical and subtropical lowland evergreen forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth, typically below 800 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as dragonflies, butterflies, beetles, and cicadas, but also occasionally takes small lizards or frogs, captured via sallying or ground strikes.
The Western Striolated Puffbird is primarily diurnal but exhibits extremely cryptic behavior, often remaining motionless for extended periods on a low, shaded perch, making it challenging to spot. Its foraging strategy is classic sit-and-wait; it sallies out from its perch to snatch flying insect...
The Western Striolated Puffbird is endemic to the western Amazon Basin of South America, with its primary breeding range extending across southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and into the western reaches of the Brazilian Amazon. Specific populations are concentrated along the bas...
Least Concern
- The 'puffbird' name refers to their habit of fluffing their plumage when resting, giving them a round, stout appearance. - Despite their often striking plumage, their preference for low, shaded perches and motionless behavior makes them incredibly difficult to observe. - Their nest sites are of...