The buff-bellied puffbird is a species of bird in the family Bucconidae, the puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Atlantic Forest and adjacent semi-deciduous woodlands of southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). Favors forest edges, clearings with scattered tall trees, gallery forests, and secondary growth, usually from the mid-story to the canopy. Common along riparian corridors and in mosaic landscapes with remnant forest patches and plantations. It avoids dense, unbroken interior forest but benefits from tall perches near open spaces.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking puffbird often sits motionless on exposed perches high in the canopy, sallying out to snatch large insects. It frequently nests by excavating burrows in arboreal termite nests or rotten wood. Its bold pattern—white collar, black breast band, and warm buff belly—helps separate it from other black-and-white puffbirds. Pairs keep in contact with clear, whistled calls that carry far through the forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Pairs often perch close together in the canopy and perform mutual calling. Nests are typically excavated in arboreal termite mounds or soft, decayed wood, where both sexes participate in digging and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled notes in a short, ringing series that may descend slightly. Calls carry well through the canopy and are often delivered from exposed perches. Also produces sharp contact notes between mates.
