The barred puffbird is a species of bird in the family Bucconidae, the puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. It is found in Panama, Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó–Darién of Panama, Colombia, and western Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occupies humid lowland and foothill forests, especially edges, clearings with scattered trees, riverine corridors, and secondary growth. Often found along forest roads, landslides, and stream banks where open perches overlook cover. Tolerates moderately disturbed habitats but remains tied to nearby forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A quiet, perch-and-sally predator, the barred puffbird often sits motionless for long periods before darting out to seize prey. Its mellow, whistled duet often gives away its presence in dense edge habitats. It helps control large insects and small vertebrates along forest margins and secondary growth.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, perched quietly at mid-levels or along edges. Pairs may duet and maintain small territories. Nests are burrows excavated in earthen banks or occasionally in termitaria, where both sexes participate in excavation and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow series of clear, descending whistles, often delivered as a duet between pair members. Calls carry well through dense vegetation and are most frequent at dawn and late afternoon.
