Black-fronted nunbird – Tambopata is a safe refuge for hundreds of bird species
26 December 2025 (120 visits)The black-fronted nunbird (Monasa nigrifrons) is a dark-plumaged, quite large bird, easily identified in its preferred mid-canopy habitat by its strikingly red bill. It is one of over 600 species of birds that enjoy a safe refuge in the rainforests of Tambopata, where we offer travelers from all over the world our exclusive, fully-guided Peruvian Amazon jungle tours.
Adult black-fronted nunbirds measure up to 29 centimeters (11 inches) in length, and weigh up to 98 grams (3.5 ounces). Both male and female adults have mostly black plumage, darkest around their red bill, and fading towards blue-gray near the hind quarters. Juveniles are a slate-gray color, with reddish markings. Adult pairs breed in the dry season from April to October, when they dig a nest in riverbanks or sloping ground.
Often remaining still for long periods, the black-fronted nunbird’s distinctive beak makes it easy to spot during rainforest trail walks, and on the edge of the forest above riverbanks and at lakes, where in Tambopata it favors bamboo stands.
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, on occasion it will also join mixed flocks of other bird species. While it tends to take most of its prey in flight, it can also be seen at times foraging at ground level, or in the forest understory. It feeds mostly on insects, but will also take small amphibians or lizards.
In addition to its red bill, the black-fronted nunbird can also be identified by its unusual vocalization. Singly, in pairs or when part of a mixed flock, when it perceives a threat, often in the form of a bird-of-prey, the black-fronted nunbird will produce a loud alarm, which takes the form of a raucous, parrot-like call.
Fascinatingly, some local naturalist guides in Tambopata have reported cases of black-fronted nunbirds emitting a false alarm call, when they have detected no sign of danger, in order to distract mixed flocks and take for themselves an appetizing insect or other small rainforest creature they have spotted.
