Swallow-winged Puffbird
NameSwallow-winged Puffbird
Common NameSwallow-winged Puffbird
Scientific NameChelidoptera tenebrosa
FamilyBucconidae
Wingspan (cm)27.5
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)22.5
Plumage DetailsThe upperparts, head, and breast are sooty black to dark grey. The belly and flanks are a rich rufous-chestnut, contrasting sharply with the white vent and undertail coverts. The wings show some white on the primaries, visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include high-pitched, thin, sibilant whistles, often described as a repeated 'tseee-tseee-tseee' or 'psii-psii-psii' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across northern South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, typically in lowland forests and forest edges.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark upperparts with rufous belly and white vent, Very short tail, Swallow-like flight pattern, Perches on exposed branches
Description
The Swallow-winged Puffbird is a small, dark puffbird known for its distinctive short tail and agile, swallow-like flight as it hunts insects. It often perches conspicuously on dead branches or exposed snags in its forest habitat, waiting for prey.
