Ringed Kingfisher
ExploreBirds
Ringed Kingfisher
megaceryle torquata
The Ringed Kingfisher is a spectacular, noisy, and conspicuous bird of prey that dominates waterways across the Neotropics and the southernmost tip of Texas. As the largest kingfisher in the Americas, it commands attention with its loud, rattling call and dramatic fishing style. It spends hours patiently perched on high, exposed branches overlooking rivers, lakes, and coastal lagoons, waiting for the perfect moment to plunge-dive into the water below. Its remarkable nesting behavior involves both parents excavating long tunnels deep into dirt banks, where they raise their young in safety. This hardy and adaptable bird is a key indicator of healthy, fish-rich aquatic ecosystems.
Habitat: Typically found along large rivers, lake margins, mangrove swamps, and coastal lagoons where calm, fish-rich waters are present.
Appearance
This large, stocky bird is easily identified by its massive, dagger-like black bill and prominent shaggy crest. Its upperparts and head are a uniform slate-blue, contrasted sharply by a broad white collar. Males feature a rich rufous belly and breast, while females are distinguished by a slate-blue band across the upper chest, followed by a narrow white band and a rufous belly. It is noticeably larger than other American kingfishers, measuring around 40 centimeters in length.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCoraciiformesFamilyAlcedinidaeGenusMegaceryle
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Instead of using soft nesting materials, these birds lay their eggs directly on the bare dirt or on a bed of regurgitated fish bones at the end of their burrow.
It is the largest species of kingfisher found in the Americas, easily dwarfing the belted kingfisher.
They use their heavy bills like shovels to excavate nesting tunnels, a task that both the male and female birds share.
Special abilities
Ability
Plunge-Diving Precision
Launches steep dives from high perches, entering the water headfirst at high speeds to grab fish deep beneath the surface.
Ability
High-Altitude Hovering
Capable of hovering stationary in mid-air over open water to locate prey before executing a vertical dive.
Ability
Riverbank Excavation
Uses its heavy, powerful bill and fused toes to dig nesting tunnels up to eight feet deep into vertical dirt banks.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 38-41 cm
- Wingspan
- 75-83 cm
- Weight
- 0.3-0.45 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 50 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-6
- Incubation
- 22-24 days
- Migration Distance
- 0 km
Diet & Feeding
Feeds almost exclusively on fish, supplemented occasionally by crustaceans, amphibians, and large aquatic insects.
Primary Foods
- Characin fish
- Crabs
- Frogs
- Aquatic insects
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Mexican Tetra
Astyanax mexicanus
Dives into freshwater systems to catch this common schooling fish.
competitor
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Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Competes for prime fishing perches and overlapping fish prey in shallow waters.
eaten by
Black Iguana
Ctenosaura similis
Occasionally raids the kingfisher's riverbank burrow nests to consume eggs and hatchlings.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Ringed Kingfisher?
The easiest way to identify Ringed Kingfisher is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Ringed Kingfisher?
38-41 cm
What is Ringed Kingfisher's wingspan?
75-83 cm
How much does Ringed Kingfisher weigh?
0.3-0.45 kg
How long does Ringed Kingfisher live?
5-10 years
How fast can Ringed Kingfisher move?
50 km/h
What does Ringed Kingfisher eat?
Feeds almost exclusively on fish, supplemented occasionally by crustaceans, amphibians, and large aquatic insects.
Where is Ringed Kingfisher usually found?
Typically found along large rivers, lake margins, mangrove swamps, and coastal lagoons where calm, fish-rich waters are present.
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