Galbulids

Galbulids are a family of birds belonging to the order Piciformes. This family, Galbulidae, contains two subfamilies, the jacamars and the puffbirds. Both groups are found in the Neotropics, ranging from southern Mexico to Argentina. They are generally small to medium-sized birds, often with slender bodies and long tails. Their plumage can vary widely, with some species exhibiting vibrant, iridescent colors, while others are more cryptically patterned.

Jacamars are typically more active and visibly hunt for insects in flight, often perching on exposed branches to survey their surroundings. They are known for their rapid, darting movements. Puffbirds, on the other hand, are more sedentary and ambush predators. They tend to sit and wait for insects, small reptiles, or amphibians to come within striking distance. Their name comes from their somewhat puffed-up appearance.

Both jacamars and puffbirds build nests in cavities, often excavating their own burrows in earth banks or arboreal termitaria. They are typically solitary or found in pairs. Their diets consist mainly of insects, though some larger species may also consume small vertebrates. While there is considerable diversity within the galbulids, they share common adaptations for their arboreal lifestyle and insectivorous or carnivorous diets.