White-faced Nunbird
NameWhite-faced Nunbird
Common NameWhite-faced Nunbird
Scientific NameHapaloptila castelnaui
FamilyBucconidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsThe head and upperparts are dark greyish-brown. A prominent white patch extends from the lores, above the eye, and down the side of the neck, creating a stark contrast with the dark crown and ear coverts. The underparts are a vibrant rufous-orange, fading slightly on the belly. It has striking red eyes and a stout black bill.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, often repeated, mournful whistles or 'pew-pew-pew' calls, which can sometimes accelerate into a trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the eastern slopes of the Andes in southern Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white facial patch (lores, supercilium, side of neck), Bright rufous-orange underparts, Dark greyish-brown upperparts, Red eyes, Stout black bill
Description
The White-faced Nunbird is a distinctive puffbird characterized by its striking white facial patch and bright rufous-orange underparts. It typically perches quietly in the mid-story of humid montane forests, sallying out to catch insects.
