puffbird

Puffbirds are a group of tropical American birds belonging to the family Bucconidae, within the order Piciformes. They are small to medium-sized, stocky birds with broad heads and stout bills. Plumage is typically subdued in browns, grays, and blacks, often with a pale throat patch or face markings, and some species have a faint crest. They occur across the tropical regions of the Americas, from southern Mexico to Argentina, with the greatest diversity in the Amazon basin.

Puffbirds are generally sit-and-wlyperchers, waiting on exposed perches and then catching insects in flight or gleaning them from foliage. Their foraging is usually quiet and directed at insect prey, though some species may take small vertebrates or fruit on occasion. They are solitary or found in pairs outside the breeding season, and vocalizations vary by species, ranging from soft whistles to more complex calls.

In terms of habitat, puffbirds occupy a variety of forested environments, including primary and secondary tropical forests, forest edges, and woodland habitats. They are often secretive, blending with the surroundings, which can make them difficult to observe in the wild.

Reproduction typically involves nest cavities rather than open-ground nests. Many puffbirds excavate nests in tree hollows or use termitaria walls and rotten wood, with clutch sizes commonly around two to three eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.

Conservation status varies by species, but most puffbirds are not globally threatened. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation can impact species with restricted ranges or specialized habitat needs. Overall, puffbirds are considered a relatively stable group within their tropical ranges.