Ringed Kingfisher

Overview

Ringed Kingfisher: Largest kingfisher in the Western Hemisphere. Blue-gray upperparts, rufous underparts, white underwing and undertail coverts, blue-gray head with ragged crest, long heavy black bill, white chin extends into a white collar. Gray legs, feet. High direct flight on choppy wing beats.

Range and Habitat

Ringed Kingfisher: Uncommon and local but increasing its range in southeast Texas; widespread in the American tropics. Found along larger rivers, lakes, and lagoons.

INTERESTING FACTS

Ringed Kingfishers have been observed eating hummingbirds. Eggs are laid on a layer of fish bones and scales.
When underwater they use their wings as rudders and for rowing.
A group of kingfishers are collectively known as a "concentration" and a "relm" of kingfishers.

The Ringed Kingfisher is typically found in the Rio Grande River valley, southeastern Texas, throughout Central America, and in South America. The preferred breeding habitat includes heavily wooded areas near large bodies of water, or wherever they may find a perch to catch their food. This species is typically a resident all year long, and is very sedentary. Nests are horizontal tunnels in river or sand banks. This bird perches on trees or poles to hunt for its food, and diets consist of fish, crustaceans, frogs, insects, small mammals, lizards and berries. The conservation rating for the Ringed Kingfisher is Least Concern.