The rufous-capped nunlet is a species of near-passerine bird in the family Bucconidae, the puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil (western Amazonia), and Peru. It prefers dense understory along forest edges, secondary growth, riverine thickets, and Guadua bamboo stands. Birds perch low to mid-level and sally out to capture prey before returning to the same perch. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable bamboo and understory structure are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small puffbird of the family Bucconidae, the rufous-capped nunlet spends long periods perched quietly in the shaded understory, making it easy to overlook. It often favors bamboo thickets and forest edges in the western Amazon. Like other puffbirds, it nests in burrows excavated in earthen banks or similar substrates. Its rich rufous crown is a key field mark.
Temperament
solitary and quiet
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories. Pairs communicate softly and remain close in dense understory. Nests are burrows excavated in earthen banks or similar soft substrates, where both sexes likely participate in excavation and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles delivered in short series, often a repeated single or double note. Calls are high, piping peeps that can be heard at close range in quiet forest understory.
