Brown Nunlet

Overview

The brown nunlet (Nonnula brunnea) is a species of near-passerine bird within the family Bucconidae, which also includes puffbirds and nunbirds. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing and it is considered rare to uncommon across its range.

Identification

• Length of 14 to 15 cm with a plain brown crown and upperparts.
• Distinctive buffy rufous band extending from the bill to the eye, accompanied by a narrow buffy ring around the eye.
• Dark grayish brown cheeks contrasting with a dark rufous throat and flanks, while the chin, breast, and belly are pale to buffy rufous.
• Song consists of a series of 20–25 'treeu' notes, repeated steadily, starting quietly, building up, and then fading towards the end.

Habitat

Found in south-central Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northern Peru, the species inhabits humid lowland terra firme forest and dense secondary forest. It tends to remain below the canopy and mostly occurs below 400 m in elevation, though records exist up to 700 m.

Diet

Almost nothing is known about the brown nunlet's diet, but it has been observed joining flocks of Myrmotherula antwrens.

Did you know?

One observed nest was a trench excavated in the ground and roofed with sticks and leaves, a structure similar to that of its close relative, the rusty-breasted nunlet.