Neotropical Bird Snake
Pseustes poecilonotus
A fast, alert diurnal snake found from Central America to the Amazon, named for its habit of raiding bird nests for eggs and nestlings.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Central America and northern South America
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Overview
The Neotropical Bird Snake is a slender, agile colubrid widespread across humid lowland forests from southern Mexico to the Amazon Basin. It is closely related to the larger puffing snakes and shares their alert, defensive temperament.
Although it can appear aggressive when disturbed, inflating its neck and striking readily, it is completely non-venomous and not dangerous to humans.
How to identify it
- Variable dorsal coloration ranging from olive-brown to grayish, often with a checkerboard pattern of darker blotches
- Pale yellowish to cream belly
- Large eyes with round pupils and an alert expression
- Slender, agile build suited to climbing
- Distinguished from the yellow-bellied puffing snake by smaller adult size and finer patterning
Habitat & range
Occurs in humid lowland and premontane forest, forest edge, and secondary growth from Mexico through Central America into the Amazon Basin, from sea level to moderate elevations. Semi-arboreal, frequenting both ground and low vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and fast-moving, foraging on the ground and in vegetation for bird eggs, nestlings, small mammals, and lizards. Displays defensive neck-inflation and loud hissing when threatened, sometimes striking repeatedly, but bites are harmless. Lays eggs during the wet season.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Neotropical Bird Snake venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous.
Why does it raid bird nests?
It preys on bird eggs and nestlings as part of its varied diet, alongside small mammals and lizards.
How does it defend itself?
It inflates its neck and hisses loudly, sometimes striking, but it poses no real threat to people.
Where is it found?
Humid lowland forests from Mexico through Central America into the Amazon Basin.
Neotropical Bird Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Neotropical Bird Snake.
