The moustached puffbird is a species of near-passerine bird in the family Bucconidae, the puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. It is one of seven species in the genus Malacoptila. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Found on humid Andean slopes and foothills of Colombia, northern Ecuador, and western Venezuela. Prefers mature and secondary evergreen forests, especially along forest edges, ravines, and near streams. Most active in the shaded understory to midstory, where it perches quietly and hunts. Tolerates selectively logged forest and older second growth but is most common in relatively intact habitat.
Altitude Range
300–1600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The moustached puffbird spends long periods motionless on shaded perches, then darts out to snatch prey—a classic perch-and-sally hunter. It nests in burrows that both sexes excavate in earthen banks or steep slopes. Its distinctive white 'moustache' stripe helps separate it from other puffbirds in the dark understory. It is generally quiet and unobtrusive, which makes it easy to overlook despite being fairly widespread in the northern Andes.
Temperament
solitary and quiet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Breeding pairs excavate burrows in earthen banks, where they lay a small clutch and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Nests are concealed and placed in shaded, steep embankments or cut banks along trails and streams.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, mellow whistles and short series of plaintive notes, often delivered from a shaded perch. Vocalizations carry poorly, contributing to its inconspicuous nature. Calls may be spaced out with long pauses.
