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Photo: © J.B. Churchill eBird S36065953 Macaulay Library ML 62182981
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Green and Rufous Kingfisher

Chloroceryle inda
Martín-pescador Selvático
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Song

Green and Rufous Kingfisher

Appearance: The Green and Rufous Kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher with vibrant plumage. It has a green back, rufous underparts, bright blue wings, and a marked white patch on its neck. Its long bill is black, and it has a short tail compared to other kingfisher species.
Habitat: This kingfisher species is commonly found in lowland tropical forests, near slow-moving streams, rivers, and mangrove swamps. It prefers dense vegetation near water bodies where it can perch and dive for fish, its primary food source.
Behavior: Green and Rufous Kingfishers are solitary birds and are often seen perched silently near the water, waiting for prey. They are known for their swift and precise dives when hunting fish. These kingfishers have a characteristic loud, rolling call that they use to communicate with each other.
Breeding: During the breeding season, which occurs from March to July. Green and Rufous Kingfishers excavate nest burrows in riverbanks or earthy slopes near water. They lay a small clutch of eggs around 3 to 6, which are incubated by both parents.
Conservation Status: The Green and Rufous Kingfisher is classified as a species of least concern by the UCN.
MALE
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Photo: © J.B. Churchill eBird S36065953 Macaulay Library ML 62182981
FEMALE
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Photo: © Michael Plaster eBird S39455223 Macaulay Library ML 77507101

Distribution

Pacific Region: The Green and Rufous Kingfisher is commonly found along the Pacific coast of Colombia, where it inhabits the lush tropical forests near rivers, streams, and mangrove swamps.
Amazon Region: This species is also present in the Amazon region, particularly in the dense rainforest areas near rivers and creeks.
Orinoco Region: The Green and Rufous Kingfisher can be found in the Orinoco region where it resides in lowland forests near water bodies like rivers and marshes.
Chocó Region: The Chocó region, known for its high biodiversity, is another important habitat for the Green and Rufous Kingfisher. The bird can be spotted in the rainforests and mangrove areas of this region.
Magdalena Valley Region: In the Magdalena Valley region, the Green and Rufous Kingfisher can be found along riverbanks and in forested areas near the water.

Taxonomy

The Green and Rufous Kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Coraciiformes
  • Family: Alcedinidae
  • Genus: Chloroceryle
  • Species: Chloroceryle inda

Vocalization

Rolling Call: The Green and Rufous Kingfisher is recognized by its loud, rolling call that is often described as a series of repeated, rapid notes. This call is used by individuals to communicate with each other and establish territories.
Chattering Calls: Apart from the rolling call, Green and Rufous Kingfishers also produce chattering calls, which are used in social interactions or when alarmed.
Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, males and females may engage in specific courtship calls to attract mates and reinforce pair bonds. These calls can vary in pitch and intensity.
Contact Calls: Green and Rufous Kingfishers use contact calls to maintain communication with their mates or family members, especially when foraging or moving around their territories.
Agitation Calls: When disturbed or threatened, Green and Rufous Kingfishers may produce sharp, high-pitched calls to signal danger or alert other individuals in the vicinity.