The red-eyed puffback is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is found in Nigeria and Central Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Guineo-Congolian forests of West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Nigeria through Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea (including Río Muni) to Gabon and into the Congo Basin. It favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest, including mature primary forest and well-developed secondary growth. Often found along forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors where insect prey concentrates. It keeps mainly to the understory and midstory, moving methodically through vine tangles and sapling thickets.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the male’s dramatic display in which it puffs out a patch of loose white lower-back feathers, the red-eyed puffback skulk-feeds in forest midstory and edges. Its crimson iris is a standout field mark in the dim rainforest understory. Pairs often duet antiphonally and may join mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often participating in mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory. Pairs are monogamous and communicate with antiphonal duets. The male performs puffback displays during courtship and territorial interactions. Nests are typically small cups placed in dense foliage or vine tangles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear whistles, sharp clicks, and metallic notes, often given as antiphonal duets between mates. Calls can include rattling scolds and abrupt chaks when alarmed.
Plumage
Male is glossy black above with white underparts and a conspicuous tuft of loose white lower-back feathers that can be flared in display; female is duller with browner or greyer tones and less contrasting underparts. Both sexes show compact, sleek plumage suited to maneuvering in dense foliage.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, orthopterans, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, probes clusters of dead leaves, and occasionally sallies to snatch flying insects. It may take small vertebrates or berries opportunistically, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy of moist lowland forest, along edges, gaps, and riparian thickets. Often works through vine tangles and dense saplings where prey is abundant, and may join mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insect swarms.
