The spot-backed puffbird (Nystalus maculatus) is a species of bird in the Bucconidae family, the puffbirds. It is found in eastern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is found in various open to semi-open habitats, ranging from arid Caatinga to semi-humid woodland along the lower Amazon River. It is generally fairly common, and consequently considered to be of least concern by the IUCN. It has two subspecies, which are sometimes considered separate species: the Caatinga puffbird (Nystalus (maculatus) maculatus) in the northern part of its range, and the Chaco puffbird or streak-bellied puffbird (Nystalus (maculatus) striatipectus) in the southern part of its range.