The white-necked puffbird is a species of bird in the family Bucconidae, the puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. It is found in Mexico, Central America, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through much of Central America into northwestern South America, including Colombia and western Ecuador, with populations in adjacent regions. Prefers lowland and foothill tropical forests, forest edges, and second-growth, often near clearings or along rivers. Frequently perches high in the canopy or at forest margins and tolerates semi-open habitats as long as tall perches are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-necked puffbird is a large, heavy-billed puffbird that often sits motionless on exposed perches, sallying out to snatch prey. It features a striking black-and-white plumage with a bold white collar and underparts. Pairs often duet with clear whistled notes, and they commonly nest in arboreal termite nests or rotting wood cavities.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from high perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sitting quietly for long periods before sallying for prey. Pairs maintain territories and often engage in duet calling. Nests are typically excavated in arboreal termitaria or in soft, decayed wood cavities.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, whistled notes often delivered in a brief series, sometimes descending. Pairs may duet with piping, carrying whistles that stand out in forest edge habitats.
Plumage
Boldly contrasting black upperparts and head with a clean white collar, throat, and underparts; tail dark with pale tips.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and katydids, along with spiders and other arthropods. Occasionally captures small vertebrates like lizards or small frogs. Feeds by sallying from exposed perches and snapping prey in midair or from foliage and branches.
Preferred Environment
Forages at forest edges, clearings, and along rivers where high, open perches are available. Often hunts in the mid to upper canopy but will also use lower perches along gaps and secondary growth.
