High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald embrace of the rainforest gives way to cooler, misty slopes, resides a bird whose name perfectly captures its essence: the Pied Puffbird. This little character, a dazzling display of black and white, is a regular sight for our guests venturing into the cooler highlands surrounding our retreat.

The pied puffbird (Notharchus tectus) is a member of the Bucconidae family, which encompasses puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. True to its name, the pied puffbird boasts a striking plumage – a captivating contrast of glossy black and crisp white.

Dressed for the Highlands

Imagine a bird the size of a small robin, roughly 14 to 17 cm (5.5 to 6.7 inches) tall. Now, picture its upper body cloaked in a sleek, glossy black, like a miniature tuxedo. This blackness extends downwards, forming a broad band that separates the white breast from the belly. The flanks add another layer of intrigue – a delightful pattern of black and white bars.

But wait, there’s more! Atop this black base, the pied puffbird sprinkles its magic. A thin white line stretches from the bill, passing through the eye, creating a subtle eyebrow. The crown isn’t left out either, adorned with a smattering of white speckles.

Two subspecies grace Costa Rica: The nominate subspecies, the one most commonly spotted around our retreat, boasts a large white spot on its shoulder (scapulars) and white near the base and tip of its tail. Its larger cousin, N. t. picatus, is a touch darker with less white on the tail feathers.

A Life in the Understory

The pied puffbird prefers the dense understory of humid forests, particularly at higher elevations. Here, amongst the tangled branches and lush foliage, it spends its days perched on a low branch, patiently waiting for its next meal to flit by.

An ambush predator, the pied puffbird has a powerful beak and lightning-fast reflexes. Keen eyes scan the forest floor for insects, lizards, small frogs, and even spiders. Once prey is spotted, the puffbird pounces with surprising agility, snatching its unsuspecting victim in a flash.

A Melodious Call

While the pied puffbird isn’t known for elaborate songs, it does possess a distinct call. Imagine a series of short, whistled notes, often described as “whoo-whoo” or “whoop-whoop.” This call serves a dual purpose – communication between mates and territorial defense.

A Sight to Behold

The pied puffbird is a relatively common resident of the Costa Rican highlands. For our guests venturing into the cooler mountain forests surrounding the retreat, spotting this little harlequin perched on a low branch is a delightful possibility.

So, keep your eyes peeled during your explorations. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this striking denizen of the Costa Rican highlands, the pied puffbird.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica