The brown-banded puffbird is a species of bird in the family Bucconidae, the puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. It favors forest edges, riverine corridors, secondary growth, and light gaps within terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests. Often seen perched quietly in the midstory to subcanopy, especially along rivers and clearings where prey is abundant. Tolerates moderate habitat disturbance but depends on wooded landscapes with ample perches and nesting substrates.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown-banded puffbird is a stout, big-headed suboscine of the Neotropics, known for its sit-and-wait hunting style from exposed perches. Its namesake brown band across the breast contrasts with clean white underparts, making it one of the more easily identified puffbirds. Like many puffbirds, it often nests in burrows excavated in termitaria or earthen banks. It is generally inconspicuous, revealing itself by its mellow, whistled song.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories centered on reliable feeding perches. Courtship includes quiet duets and mutual preening. Nests are typically excavated in arboreal termitaria or earthen banks, where both adults participate in excavation and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow series of clear, whistled notes, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include soft, piping whistles and occasional descending sequences that carry through the forest edge.
Plumage
Dark brown upperparts with a crisp white throat and underparts interrupted by a single, broad brown breast band; feathers appear smooth and compact with slight fluffiness around the head typical of puffbirds.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, snatching them in sallies from an exposed perch. It occasionally takes small vertebrates like lizards or frogs. Prey is often beaten against a branch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, riverbanks, and light gaps where flying insects are abundant. Often uses midstory and subcanopy perches with good sightlines, including dead snags and vines.
