About Nystalus maculatus (J.F.Gmelin, 1788)
Common Name and Size
Nystalus maculatus, commonly known as the spot-backed puffbird, measures 18 to 19 cm (7.1 to 7.5 in) in length and weighs 32 to 38 g (1.1 to 1.3 oz).
Crown and Hindneck Features
It has a dark brown crown with prominent buffy spangles and a pale rufous collar on its hindneck.
Upperparts and Wing Coverts
Its upperparts and wing coverts are dark brown with buffy spangles and bars.
Tail Pattern
The long, narrow tail features broad black bars and narrow buffy bars.
Facial Markings
Most of its face is off-white with dusky streaks that become darker towards the rear, and it has a buffy supercilium.
Throat and Upper Breast Coloration
The chin is white, while the throat, upper breast, and sides of the neck are orange-red.
Underparts Markings
The remainder of the underparts are white, with bold black spots on the upper breast and black streaks on the flanks.
Soft Part Colors
Most of its bill is red, its eye is pale yellow, and its feet are brownish olive.
Vocalization
Its song is an undulating sequence 'tewre-tewtewretewtewre', and is often sung as a duet or by three birds.
Geographic Range
The spot-backed puffbird is found in northeastern and central Brazil, ranging south as far as northwestern Argentina.
Regional Occurrence
It occurs in lowland and foothill cerrado, caatinga, and campo regions.
Habitat Types
It inhabits a range of semi-open landscapes, including the interior and edges of deciduous woodland, savanna, palm groves, shrublands, scrublands, and pastures.
Movement Pattern
It is thought to stay within its range year-round, though some seasonal movement may occur in parts of its distribution.
