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Definition of puffbird

puffbird

/ˈpʌfˌbɝːd/
puff · bird
Plural:puffbirds
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puffbird Lexical Profile

puffbird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various small to medium-sized, stout-bodied neotropical birds of the family Bucconidae, native to the forests of South and Central America, known for their loose, abundant plumage and habit of sitting entirely motionless for long periods while hunting insects and small vertebrates.

Example

"During our canopy tour in the Amazon rainforest, the ornithologist pointed out a white-necked puffbird perched silently on a dead branch."

• Nearby Words

puff
puff adder
puffback
puffbird
puffer
pufferfish
puffin

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 19th century as a compound of 'puff' and 'bird', referencing the bird's characteristic loose, abundant plumage that gives it a stout, puffy appearance.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Puffbird. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 21, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/puffbird
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