Ringed KingfisherMegaceryle torquataOù et quand les observer

The Ringed Kingfisher is a large, heavy-billed kingfisher with blue-grey upperparts and rich chestnut underparts. A high exposed perch above a river is a promising search point. Here the Amazon association means the documented Peruvian Iquitos–Nauta and Ucayali tributary itinerary, not every part of the basin. Species reference: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ringed_Kingfisher/lifehistory

Taille

Species-specific body-length measurement not verified.

Poids

Species-specific weight not verified.

Espérance de vie

Species-specific lifespan not verified.

Statut

A current formal global assessment was not verified.

A bird watches from a convenient perch, dives to seize prey and returns above the water. Cornell notes that hovering occurs less often than in Belted Kingfishers. Fish are swallowed head first. Excavated nesting burrows in earthen banks are important but must never be approached for a close look inside.

• It has a heavy bill and ragged crest.
• Fish are swallowed head first.
• Females show a blue-grey breast band.
• It nests in earthen burrows.
• It usually hunts from a perch.
• Its diet is mainly fish.

The local cruise account records a single March 2017 itinerary and cannot support an annually recurring season. No numerical months are assigned. The availability of a visible hunting perch matters during an excursion, but regional hydrology alone is not evidence for a month-by-month occurrence calendar.

Rivers, lakes and ponds with hunting perches are characteristic. The species can use other waters too, provided prey can be detected and suitable perches are available. Small dark shaded creeks are less typical. Along the registered itinerary, exposed branches over side channels are more useful search targets than the canopy interior.

Freshwater fish predominate, with crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles and large insects also reported. Cornell describes prey being located from above and captured with the bill. A fish held at a distance is rarely identifiable to species. No quantified diet from the registered Peruvian cruise reach was verified.

Nom commun

Ringed Kingfisher

Scientific name

Megaceryle torquata

Groupe animal

Birds

Taille

Species-specific body-length measurement not verified.

Poids

Species-specific weight not verified.

Espérance de vie

Species-specific lifespan not verified.

Statut

A current formal global assessment was not verified.

Identité

The large bill, ragged crest, broad white neck collar and chestnut belly are important. Adult males are chestnut from breast through belly; females have a blue-grey breast band separated from the chestnut by a narrow pale border. Immatures can show intermediate-looking features, so assess the complete pattern.