Semicollared Puffbird

Overview

The semicollared puffbird (Malacoptila semicincta) is a species of near-passerine bird belonging to the family Bucconidae. It is one of seven species within the genus Malacoptila and is found across parts of South America.

Identification

• Approximately 18 cm long with a weight of about 44 g.
• Head and upperparts are blackish brown with a streaked appearance from pale feather shafts; tail is brown.
• Features a whitish chin and 'whisker', a thin white crescent on the upper breast, and a rufous 'collar' on the back of the neck.
• Bill is black above and yellow-orange below; dark red eye with a white ring; feet are pale greenish pink.
• Song consists of thin, high-pitched, melancholy descending whistles described as 'Fééeur' or 'pseuu'.

Habitat

Found in western Amazonia where far western Brazil, southeastern Peru, and far northern Bolivia meet. It inhabits transitional forest and the edges of humid tropical evergreen terra firme forest, typically ranging from the undergrowth up to the lower mid-story between near sea level and 1,050 m in elevation.

Did you know?

Although its IUCN status is Least Concern, its population is unknown and believed to be decreasing, with the species occurring in only one protected area in Peru.