White-fronted Nunbird (Monasa morphoeus)

Identification & Behavior: ~25.5 cm (10 in). The White-fronted Nunbird has a slate-colored plumage with white around the base of a coral-red bill.  Juveniles have rusty in the base of the bill instead of white.  The white around the be of the bill distinguishes this species from closely related Black-fronted Nunbird and Yellow-billed Nunbird.

Status: The White-fronted Nunbird replaces the Black-fronted Nunbird in Terra Firme Forest where it favors the mid-story. They are found in pairs or family groups. It ranges higher along the foothill of the Andes than Black-fronted Nunbird. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Monja de Frente Blanca.

Sub-species: White-fronted Nunbird (Monasa morphoeus peruana) Sclater, PL, 1856.

Meaning of Name: Monasa: Gr. monas, monos= lonely. morphoeus: Gr. Sleepy;  Greek mythology: Morpheus was the son of the god of sleep and dreams.

See more of the Family Bucconidae