Bill coral red, rather slender and decurved. Plumage entirely dull slaty black. Range Eastern Colombia, Amazonian Peru and w Brazil south to n Bolivia. Habitat Found along humid forested borders of rivers and streams, swampy river islands, varzea borders and second growth woodland.
Niche Occurs alone,in pairs or in small groups from lower levels to canopy.
Sits quietly, then sallyies to ground or foliage for prey. Sometimes takes flying prey. More active than puffbirds, it flies with a few quick wingbeats and a short sailing glide. Frequently follows groups of monkeys, catching insects disturbed by them. In the evening, small groups line up on perches and give noisy clamorous.