White-chested Puffbird (Malacoptila fusca)

Parque Nacional Yanachaga Chemilln, Sector Paujil

Puffbirds are some of my favorite neotropical birds, partly because they're so goofy-looking, and partly because they're usually rare and/or hard to find. I was walking down a trail and I suddenly saw a bird that had clearly been perched very near the edge take off and fly into the forest. I figured it had probably vanished, but for some reason decided to step into the undergrowth, and within a few meters I spotted him! I immediately snapped a record shot, as this was a new bird for me, and then slowly got closer, taking photos every meter or so, while he (or she) looked at me placidly. Eventually he took off, presumably to enjoy breakfast in peace!