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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-Kingfishers and Allies (Order Coraciiformes)

-Large Crested Kingfishers (Genus Megaceryle)

-Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)


The ringed kingfisher is the largest Kingfisher species native to North America. This bird is not exceptionally tall, but it can reach a length of 16 inches and a wingspan of 2 feet or more. Also known as the collared kingfisher, the ringed kingfisher is known for its bright white collar and dark, rust-colored breast. The ringed kingfisher prefers a wet, marshy habitat and tropical weather. It builds its nest near rivers, streams, and ponds. In tropical regions, it will nest in mangrove swamps, coastal areas, and freshwater bodies. The kingfisher prefers small fish of 6 inches or smaller. It occasionally includes frogs, small snakes, and crustaceans in its diet.

Ringed Kingfisher

Megaceryle torquata

Diet

  • Primarily fish, including small freshwater and estuarine species.

  • Also feeds on crayfish, crabs, shrimp, frogs, tadpoles, aquatic insects, lizards, and occasionally small snakes.

  • Hunts by perching above the water or hovering briefly before making a powerful plunge-dive to capture prey with its large, dagger-like bill.

Range

  • Found from southern Texas through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America to Tierra del Fuego.

  • Widespread throughout Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region, where it is a common year-round resident.

  • Inhabits rivers, lakes, reservoirs, mangroves, estuaries, coastal lagoons, marshes, and other freshwater or brackish wetlands with suitable perches.

Male / Female

  • Male: Slate-blue head, back, wings, and tail; white throat with a broad white collar; rich chestnut breast and belly extending from the upper breast to the undertail; large red bill.

  • Female: Similar overall appearance but with a slate-blue breast band separating the white throat from the chestnut belly, making her readily distinguishable from the male.

  • The sexes are easily distinguished by the colour pattern of the breast.

Size

  • Length: 38–43 cm (15–17 in)

  • Wingspan: 56–66 cm (22–26 in)

  • Weight: 305–425 g (10.8–15.0 oz)

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