Lanceolated Monklet (Micromonacha lanceolata)

Identification & Behavior: ~13 cm (5.1 in). The Lanceolated Monklet has a chunky body, rich-brown upperparts and pale underparts with large gray-black streaks. It has white around the base of the bill. It is somewhat similar to Spotted Puffbird, but the Lanceolated Monklet has streaks rather than spots and it is smaller. It sits on branches for long periods of time.

Status: The Lanceolated Monklet is uncommon to rare. It occurs along the foothill of the Andes in the Southern half of Peru where it ranges at elevations between 500 to 1500 m. In the northern part of Peru, it occurs in the lowlands where it favors Terra Firme forest. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Monjecito Lanceolado.

Sub-species: Lanceolated Monklet (Micromonacha lanceolata), Deville, 1849.

Meaning of Name: Micromonacha: Gr. mikros= small and monakhos= monk. lanceolata: L. lanceolatus, lancea= Blade, shaped like a spear.

See more of the Family Bucconidae