Amazon KingfisherChloroceryle amazonaWhere and when to see them

The Amazon Kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher found beside freshwater habitats across much of tropical America. Its range extends from Mexico through Central America into South America, including the Amazon Basin. It has glossy green upperparts, a prominent bill, and contrasting white underparts. Despite its name, it is not restricted to the Amazon or to rainforest. Along Amazon waterways, it is often seen perched above the water while watching for prey.

Size

About 29–30 cm long.

Weight

Approximately 100–140 g.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the wild is not well documented.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Amazon Kingfishers usually hunt from exposed branches, roots, or other perches overlooking water. They scan the surface and plunge into the water to seize prey with their bills. After a successful dive, they commonly return to a perch to handle and swallow their catch. Fish may be struck against the perch before being swallowed headfirst. Birds are often encountered alone or in pairs and defend feeding or breeding areas. Their flight is fast and direct, frequently following the course of a river. Breeding pairs excavate a tunnel in an earthen bank, with a nest chamber at its end. Both parents participate in nesting duties and care for the young.

• Its range extends far beyond the Amazon Basin.
• Males and females have different breast markings.
• Its nest is hidden at the end of a tunnel in an earthen bank.
• It usually swallows fish headfirst.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species inhabits rivers, streams, lakes, lagoons, and other freshwater wetlands. In the Amazon Basin, it occurs along main river margins, tributaries, and floodplain waters. It uses both forested and more open watersides where suitable hunting perches are available. Exposed earthen banks provide potential nesting sites. Water conditions and the availability of accessible fish help determine which stretches it uses.

Fish form the main part of the Amazon Kingfisher's diet. It also takes crustaceans, including shrimp, and occasionally other aquatic prey. Most prey is captured by diving from a waterside perch. Captured fish are generally swallowed whole.

Common name

Amazon Kingfisher

Scientific name

Chloroceryle amazona

Animal group

Birds

Size

About 29–30 cm long.

Weight

Approximately 100–140 g.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the wild is not well documented.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a large, straight black bill, a slightly shaggy crest, glossy dark green upperparts, and a white collar. Males have a broad chestnut breast band, while females lack this band and show green patches at the sides of the breast. Compared with the smaller Green Kingfisher, the Amazon Kingfisher is bulkier and has much less conspicuous white spotting on the wings. The larger Ringed Kingfisher has blue-gray rather than green upperparts and much more extensive chestnut underparts.