Ringed Kingfisher

Ceryle torquatus Order: CORACIIFORMES Family: Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Ringed Kingfisher Breeding Male Portrait
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General

Ringed Kingfisher: Large kingfisher with blue-gray upperparts, rufous underparts, white undertail coverts, blue-gray head with ragged crest, long heavy black bill, and white chin extending into a white collar. The female looks similar except she has a broad gray breast band above the rufous belly rather than the all rufous underparts of the male.

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.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"cla-ak"

Interesting Facts

 Ringed Kingfishers have been observed eating hummingbirds.

 When underwater they use their wings as rudders and for rowing.

 Eggs are laid on a layer of fish bones and scales.

 A group of kingfishers are collectively known as a "concentration" and a "relm" of kingfishers.



Author

Gary Owen Dick

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Range Map for Ringed Kingfisher

Related Birds

Green Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Lewis's Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Green Kingfisher
.
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