There are many species of puffbirds in the rain forests of Central and South America. They are not very big, only about seven inches from their beaks to the tips of their tails, but they make up for any lack in size by their loud and noisy chatter. Their heads, with big red eyes, are rather large in proportion to their bodies and are decorated with a long, white, feather tuft under their bills and another on top of their foreheads. The name “puffbird” has been given to them because they often sit with these feathers fluffed out like a puffball.
The Creator has provided them with wide short bills, enabling them to scoop insects out of the air with ease. Sitting on a branch or other high place in groups, individuals dart out quickly now and then for passing bugs and flies, or spiders and lizards they may spot, as well as small frogs.
One, called the white-eared, is among the prettiest. It is all white on its throat and lower parts, decorated with a vivid-orange beak and reddish-brown cap, with 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 is a nice combination of blue beak 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, the balance being a grayish-blue, nicely matching its broad tail feathers. The male and female of this group surround their burrow entrances with sticks to help conceal it, and together remove the fresh dirt from the tunnel 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, both also share incubating them. However, after hatching, 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 the little ones get good exercise walking up to get it. The male doesn’t eat any of this food, so has to make quick trips outside to satisfy his hunger. Chicks fly from the nest when about three weeks old.
The Bible verse at the top of the page tells us that the Lord God knows all about these birds which He has created and cares for. He knows all about you, as well, and wants you to trust in Him by accepting the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. Have you done this?
ML-07/19/1987