Black-breasted Puffbird – Behavior and Habitat Insights on Pipeline Road, Panama

Along the well-known Pipeline Road in Panama’s Soberanía National Park, this Black-breasted Puffbird was seen perched at understory level — and at one point, joined by a second individual. These birds are often quiet and still, blending into the lower forest structure, but with patience, they reveal themselves.

Filmed at understory level, this Black-breasted Puffbird (Notharchus pectoralis) remained mostly still, using its perch to scan for prey. In some clips, a second individual is visible nearby, suggesting either a pair or territorial proximity.

These puffbirds hunt by sallying from low perches to snatch large insects or small vertebrates. They tend to sit silently for long periods — their behavior easy to overlook unless you're watching carefully.

Pipeline Road’s mix of mature rainforest and edge habitat is ideal for observing this species, which prefers lowland forest with a dense canopy above.

Notes for Birders:

• Location: Soberanía National Park, Pipeline Road, Panama

• Typical Habitat: Canopy of lowland rainforest

• Observation Level: Understory — this individual (and a second one) was seen perched low, likely responding to nearby army ant activity

• Behavior: Silent, stationary; sit-and-wait hunting strategy

• Vocalization: No calls recorded during this observation

  
  

 Did You Know?

The Black-breasted Puffbird belongs to a Neotropical family known for its stocky shape, large head, and wait-and-watch foraging behavior. Despite their stillness, they are efficient predators.

Want to see more birds in action? Explore field videos from Panama’s rainforests and discover a wide variety of species on the blog — or visit the YouTube channel for full recordings and new uploads.

Sources:

• Angehr, G. R., & Dean, R. (2010). The Birds of Panama: A Field Guide. Zona Tropical Publication / Cornell University Press.

• Ridgely, R. S., & Gwynne, J. A. (1989). A Guide to the Birds of Panama: With Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Princeton University Press.