Pied Puffbird

The pied puffbird, a member of the Bucconidae family, is a striking bird with a glossy black and white plumage. It measures between 14 to 17 cm in length and weighs from 21 to 40 grams. The bird's upper parts are predominantly glossy black, while the underparts are white. A distinctive white line extends from the bill through the eye, and white speckles adorn the crown. A notable feature is the large white spot on the scapulars, and white at the base and end of the tail. A broad black band separates the breast from the belly, and the flanks are barred with black and white.

Identification Tips

To identify the pied puffbird, look for the white line running from the bill through the eye and the white speckles on the crown. The large white spot on the scapulars is also a key feature. The subspecies vary slightly in size and coloration, with N. t. picatus being larger and darker, and N. t. subtectus being smaller with a narrower breast band and less white on the crown.

Habitat

This species inhabits a variety of landscapes, from savannas to the interior and edges of tropical evergreen forests. It can also be found in secondary forests, gallery forests, abandoned clearings, and mangroves, typically preferring the canopy and subcanopy layers.

Distribution

The pied puffbird is found across a broad range in South and Central America, from Nicaragua to Bolivia and Brazil. It is generally resident within its range, though some irregular seasonal movements have been noted.

Behaviour

The pied puffbird is known for hunting arthropod prey by making sallies from an exposed perch, usually high in the canopy. It is a solitary bird, often seen perched quietly as it scans for food.

Song & Calls

The song of the pied puffbird varies among subspecies. The nominate and N. t. picatus subspecies produce a series of high-pitched, bat-like whistles, while the song of N. t. subtectus is higher-pitched, more piping, and less modulated.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary across the pied puffbird's range, with activity observed in almost any month. The nest is a cavity within an arboreal termitarium, and the clutch typically consists of two eggs. Both parents are believed to feed the young, though it is not confirmed if both incubate the eggs.

Similar Species

The pied puffbird can be confused with other puffbird species, but its distinctive black and white plumage and white line through the eye make it identifiable.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of spiders and insects from various families and orders. The bird's hunting strategy involves perching and making quick flights to capture its prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN classifies the pied puffbird as Least Concern, with no quantified population estimates. However, populations are believed to be declining due to deforestation, particularly in Costa Rica and Ecuador. The species is present in protected areas in most countries within its range.