Ringed KingfisherMegaceryle torquataWhere and when to see them

The Ringed Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher in the Americas and a conspicuous bird along Amazonian waterways. It has a massive bill, a shaggy crest, and a distinctive white collar. Its range extends from southern Texas through Central and South America to Tierra del Fuego. In the Amazon basin, it is often seen perched above the water or flying along a river while giving loud, rattling calls.

Size

Approximately 38–42 cm long.

Weight

Approximately 300 g.

Lifespan

Not well established in the wild.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Ringed Kingfishers usually hunt from an exposed branch or other elevated lookout above the water. After spotting prey, they plunge into the water and return to a perch with their catch. They may beat larger fish against the perch before swallowing them headfirst. Birds are commonly encountered alone or in pairs and defend feeding or breeding territories. Their flight is strong and direct, often accompanied by harsh, rattling calls. Both members of a breeding pair excavate a nest tunnel in an earthen bank, ending in a chamber for the eggs. Both parents take part in incubation and feeding the young.

• It is the largest kingfisher in the Americas.
• The name “ringed” refers to its prominent white collar.
• Females have a blue-gray breast band that adult males lack.
• Its nest is hidden at the end of a tunnel excavated into an earthen bank.

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 lives beside rivers, streams, lakes, lagoons, and estuaries. In the Amazon basin, it uses main river channels, tributaries, and floodplain lakes. Suitable feeding areas combine accessible fish with exposed perches and relatively open views of the water. Steep earthen banks provide potential nesting sites. It also occurs around reservoirs and other modified waterways where appropriate feeding and nesting conditions remain.

Fish make up most of the Ringed Kingfisher's diet. It also occasionally takes crustaceans, aquatic insects, amphibians, and small reptiles. Prey is usually captured close to the water surface during a plunge dive. Its large bill allows it to handle bigger fish than the smaller kingfishers sharing its habitat.

Common name

Ringed Kingfisher

Scientific name

Megaceryle torquata

Animal group

Birds

Size

Approximately 38–42 cm long.

Weight

Approximately 300 g.

Lifespan

Not well established in the wild.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a very large kingfisher with blue-gray upperparts, a shaggy crest, a long heavy bill, and a broad white collar. Adult males have rich rufous underparts extending across the breast and belly. Adult females have a blue-gray breast band separated from the rufous belly by a narrow white band. Compared with the smaller Amazon Kingfisher, the Ringed Kingfisher is bulkier and blue-gray rather than green above.