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

Photo: Christoph MoningCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalistView original ↗

Ringed Kingfisher

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

Launches steep dives from high perches, entering the water headfirst at high speeds to grab fish deep beneath the surface.

Capable of hovering stationary in mid-air over open water to locate prey before executing a vertical dive.

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
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

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?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

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.