Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #45

By Jim Gain

7/2/2023

• Scientific Name: Megaceryle torquata
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Martín Pescador de Collar
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: RIKI
• Family: Alcedinidae – Kingfishers
• Order: Coraciiformes

About this Species

The Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is a large, stocky bird with a distinctive appearance, found in Belize and throughout much of Central and South America. It is the largest kingfisher in the Americas, with exceptionally enormous bill and raucous calls. Blue-gray with shaggy crest, white collar, and rufous belly. Male and female similar, but note different breast pattern: entirely rufous on male, while female has blue-gray band bordered by white.

Ringed Kingfishers are found in a variety of freshwater habitats in Belize, including rivers, streams, lakes, and lagoons. They are also occasionally seen near the coast. They are most common in lowland tropical forests, but can also be found in mangrove swamps and other wetland habitats. They are year-round residents in Belize, and are often seen perched on overhanging branches or poles near water, where they wait for fish or other prey to swim by.

>> Next Post on Tuesday, 7/4/2023 – Lesson’s Motmot

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin