boucans

Boucans are large, colorful New World birds of the family Caprimulgidae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of North America. The most well-known species is the Giant Bouskan (Cyanocorax securifer) with a distinctive black plumage and a large, brightly colored bill. The bill is not only ornamental but also functional: it provides protection during intraspecific combat and is used in courtship displays. The striking mixture of colours—deep blues and greens for the plumage and a vivid orange or yellow for the outer parts of the bill—helps differentiate species and sexual dimorphism is generally mild.

Boucans are primarily nectarivores and frugivores, and they contribute to forest regeneration by dispersing seeds over wide areas. They forage by hovering or walking among trees and may be seen zipping between branches in fast bursts. Occasionally, they feed on insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally larger fruits. Adults are relatively sedentary, but juveniles disperse during the first breeding season, helping fill vacant territories. Breeding takes place during the wet season, and nests are typically situated in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. Clutches generally number two or three eggs, white with brown spots, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Boucans have a long lifespan, often living more than 15 years in the wild and up to thirty years in captivity. Their large, cryptically coloured bodies and remarkable bills continue to capture scientific and conservation interest, especially regarding how they adapt to rapidly changing tropical ecosystems.