Notharchus hyperrhynchus
The White-necked Puffbird, *Notharchus hyperrhynchus*, is a striking member of the Bucconidae family, distinguished by its bold black-and-white plumage and prominent red eyes. This medium-sized puffbird measures approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length and weighs about 60-80 grams (2.1-2.8 oz), possessing a characteristically stout, heavy black bill. Its most distinctive field mark is a broad white collar extending from the nape around the neck, contrasting sharply with its glossy black...
The White-necked Puffbird inhabits humid tropical and subtropical lowland forests, forest edges, semi-open woodlands, and tall secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations from sea level up to around 1000 meters (3,300 feet).
The diet of the White-necked Puffbird consists primarily of large insects such as cicadas, beetles, katydids, dragonflies, and butterflies. It occasionally takes small vertebrates like lizards, all captured through a sallying flight from a perch.
This puffbird is primarily diurnal, spending much of its day perched motionless on a high, often concealed branch within the forest understory or mid-story, surveying its surroundings. Its foraging strategy is classic sit-and-wait, where it sallies out in a quick, agile flight to snatch large ins...
The White-necked Puffbird is a resident species distributed across a wide swath of the Neotropics, extending from southeastern Mexico through Central America and into northern South America. Its northernmost range includes Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas in Mexico, continuing south through Guatemal...
Least Concern
- The 'puffbird' name refers to their habit of fluffing up their plumage and remaining motionless for extended periods, making them resemble a detached branch or lump of bark. - Despite their striking appearance, their cryptic behavior means they are often heard before they are seen, making a sig...