puffbirds

Puffbirds are a group of small to medium-sized tropical American birds belonging to the family Bucconidae in the order Piciformes. They are typically stout-bodied with large heads, short tails, and thick, slightly hooked bills. Plumage is usually cryptic, featuring browns, greys, and rufous tones that help them blend into branches and foliage. Sexual dimorphism is generally modest, and juvenile plumage varies by species.

Puffbirds are found in a range of forested and shrubby habitats across the tropical Americas, from Mexico through Central America and into much of South America as far south as Argentina. They are commonly seen perched quietly along forest edges or within woodlands, waiting to ambush passing flying insects.

Diet and foraging behavior center on insects, which puffbirds capture by perching and making short sallies to seize prey in mid-air or from foliage. Some species will take small fruit or berries opportunistically, but insects comprise the core of their diet. They are typically sedentary or locally migratory, depending on the region.

Reproduction involves cavity nesting; puffbirds use natural tree holes, abandoned termitaria, or other cavities to lay their eggs. Clutch size generally ranges from two to four eggs, with incubation and care often shared by both parents.

The family Bucconidae includes several genera, such as Bucco, Nystalus, and Monasa. Puffbirds are distinguished from related jacamars (Galbulidae) by differences in bill shape and feeding habits. Conservation statuses vary by species and region, with habitat loss posing a threat to some populations.