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Ringed Kingfisher

Ceryle torquatusOrder: CORACIIFORMESFamily: Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)

Breeding Location:

Lakes, Rivers



Breeding Type:

Monogamous, Solitary nester



Breeding Population:

Uncommon and local, Widespread in the American tropics.



Egg Color:

White



Number of Eggs:

3 - 6



Incubation Days:

20



Egg Incubator:

Both sexes



Nest Material:

Twigs, grasses.



Migration:

Nonmigratory



Splitbar

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.

Breeding and Nesting

Ringed Kingfisher: Three to six white eggs are laid in a nest made of twigs and grass, built at the end of a bank tunnel dug by the parents, sometimes far from water. Eggs are incubated for 20 days by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Ringed Kingfisher: Eats mostly fish, but also takes amphibians, reptiles, and insects; hunts from a perch or hovers over water, plunge diving to capture prey.

Vocalization

Ringed Kingfisher: Song is a drawling, low-pitched, harsh, and clattering rattle; call is loud "cla-ak."

Similar Species

Ringed Kingfisher: Belted Kingfisher is smaller and lacks rust-brown belly.

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Family
Species Ceryle torquatus
Length15.5 - 16.5 Inches
Wingspan26.5 Inches

Ringed Kingfisher

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.

● Song: "cla-ak"

● Foraging & Feeding: Ringed Kingfisher: Eats mostly fish, but also takes amphibians, reptiles, and insects; hunts from a perch or hovers over water, plunge diving to capture prey.

● Breeding & nesting: Ringed Kingfisher: Three to six white eggs are laid in a nest made of twigs and grass, built at the end of a bank tunnel dug by the parents, sometimes far from water. Eggs are incubated for 20 days by both parents.

● Similar species: Ringed Kingfisher: Belted Kingfisher is smaller and lacks rust-brown belly.

Flight Pattern

High direct flight with floppy wing beats.
Ringed Kingfisher Breeding Male Body Illustration
● Range & 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.
BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester
PopulationUncommon and local, Widespread in the American tropics.
MigrationNonmigratory
Weight11.1 Ounces