About Nystalus maculatus (J.F.Gmelin, 1788)
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). It has a dark brown crown with prominent buffy spangles and a pale rufous collar on its hindneck. Its upperparts and wing coverts are dark brown with buffy spangles and bars. The long, narrow tail features broad black bars and narrow buffy bars. Most of its face is off-white with dusky streaks that become darker towards the rear, and it has a buffy supercilium. The chin is white, while the throat, upper breast, and sides of the neck are orange-red. The remainder of the underparts are white, with bold black spots on the upper breast and black streaks on the flanks. Most of its bill is red, its eye is pale yellow, and its feet are brownish olive. Its song is an undulating sequence 'tewre-tewtewretewtewre', and is often sung as a duet or by three birds. The spot-backed puffbird is found in northeastern and central Brazil, ranging south as far as northwestern Argentina. It occurs in lowland and foothill cerrado, caatinga, and campo regions. It inhabits a range of semi-open landscapes, including the interior and edges of deciduous woodland, savanna, palm groves, shrublands, scrublands, and pastures. It is thought to stay within its range year-round, though some seasonal movement may occur in parts of its distribution.
