There are many species of puffbirds in the rain forests of Central and South America. They are not very large birds, only about seven inches from their bills to the ends of their tails, but they make up for any lack in size by their loud and noisy chatter. Their heads are rather large in proportion to their bodies and have a feather tuft on top of their foreheads. Some also have another tuft under their bills, and they all have large, red eyes. The name “puffbird” has been given to them because they often sit with their feathers fluffed out like a puffball.
The Creator has provided them with wide, short bills, enabling them to scoop insects easily from the air. Sitting in groups on a branch or other high place, individuals dart out quickly now and then for passing bugs and flies or spiders, lizards and small frogs that they may spot.
One, called the white-eared, is among the prettiest. It is all white on its throat and lower parts, decorated with a vivid orange bill and reddish-brown cap. This has narrow black ribbons across it, matching its tail feathers. Its reddish-brown wings are decorated with numerous black patches.
Another, the swallow-wing, has a bluish-black cape over its head and down most of its back and wings but sports a distinctive white area between its cape and tail. Its body has a pretty combination of a blue bill and breast with orange lower plumage.
The smallest, but most active, is the white-fronted. In spite of its name, only half of its front is white and the rest is a grayish-blue, matching its broad tail feathers. The male and female of this group surround their burrow entrance with sticks to help conceal it. Working together, they remove the fresh dirt from the burrow so enemies can’t easily find their underground home.
With all puffbirds, both parents work together digging a burrow and making a nest at the end. After the eggs are laid, they both share incubating them. However, after the eggs hatch, the male always stays with the chicks for a week or more while the female finds food. She brings this to the tunnel entrance and drops it, and the little chicks get good exercise walking up to get it. The male doesn’t eat any of this food, so he has to make quick trips outside to satisfy his hunger. The chicks fly from the nest when they are about three weeks old.
The Bible verse at the top of the page tells us that the Lord God knows all about these birds that He has created and cares for them. He knows all about you too and wants you to trust in Him by accepting the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. Have you done this?
ML-06/10/2012