Moustached Puffbird
NameMoustached Puffbird
Common NameMoustached Puffbird
Scientific NameMalacoptila mystacalis
FamilyBucconidae
Wingspan (cm)24
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsIt has a dark brown crown and upperparts, with a rufous-orange breast and white belly. A distinctive white moustachial stripe, bordered by black, extends from the base of the bill. The wings are dark brown with white spotting, and its eyes are reddish-brown.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a soft, whistled 'peee-ooo' or 'peee-peee-ooo' and a trilled 'trrrrrr' sound, often given from a hidden perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to the northern Andes mountain range, found in humid montane forests of Colombia and western Venezuela.
Identifying Featuresprominent white moustachial stripe, rufous-orange breast, dark brown upperparts with white spots on wings, reddish eyes, stocky build with large head
Description
The Moustached Puffbird is a stocky, medium-sized bird with a large head and short tail, often found perching motionless in the understory of humid montane forests. It is an ambush predator, patiently waiting for insects to pass by before sallying out to catch them.
