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Photo: © Bert Wessling eBird S42734557 Macaulay Library ML 86012501
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Ringed Kingfisher

Megaceryle torquata
Martín-pescador Grande
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Song

Ringed Kingfisher

Appearance: The Ringed Kingfisher is recognizable by its large size, which can reach up to 16 in (40 cm) in length. It has a shaggy crest and a robust, thick bill. Its plumage is characterized by a white throat and belly, a blue-gray head, and a brownish-orange breast band. The bird displays a white ring around its neck.
Habitat: Ringed Kingfishers are commonly found near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. They prefer open habitats with perches for hunting, often seen perched on branches or wires overlooking the water.
Behavior: This kingfisher species is an accomplished fisher, diving headfirst into the water to catch its prey. It feeds on fish, crustaceans, frogs, and occasionally small mammals. Ringed Kingfishers are territorial and will vigorously defend their fishing grounds.
Breeding: Ringed Kingfishers are monogamous and nest in burrows dug into the banks of rivers or lakes. Both the male and female help excavate the burrow, which can be several feet long. The female lays 3-6 eggs, which are incubated for around 20 days. The parents both feed and care for the young birds until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Ringed Kingfisher is considered as a species of  Least Concern. 
MALE
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Photo: © Oscar Bermúdez Collado eBird S35181394 Macaulay Library ML 51167461
FEMALE
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Photo: © Bert Wessling eBird S42734557 Macaulay Library ML 86012501

Distribution

Northern Andes: The Ringed Kingfisher can be found in the northern part of the Andes mountain range of the country. This includes regions such as Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio, where there are rivers, lakes, and wetlands that provide suitable habitats for this bird.
Magdalena Valley: This species also inhabits the Magdalena Valley, which is a major geographical region that includes departments like Tolima, Huila, and Cundinamarca. The river systems and wetland areas in this region offer ideal hunting grounds for the Ringed Kingfisher.
Amazon Basin: The Ringed Kingfisher is present in the Amazon Basin region which includes departments like Putumayo, Caqueta, and Guaviare. The extensive rivers, forests, and wetlands in the Amazon provide ample opportunities for this kingfisher to thrive.
Caribbean Coast: Along the Caribbean coast including regions like La Guajira, Atlantico, and Magdalena. The Ringed Kingfisher can be spotted near coastal lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries where it can hunt for fish and other aquatic prey.
Eastern Plains (Llanos): The Ringed Kingfisher is also found in the vast savannas and wetlands of the Eastern Plains region known as the Llanos. Departments like Meta, Arauca, and Casanare provide proper habitats with numerous rivers and waterways.

Taxonomy

The Ringed Kingfisher(Megaceryle torquata)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Coraciiformes
  • Family: Alcedinidae
  • Genus: Megaceryle
  • Species: Megaceryle torquata

Vocalization

Call: The most common vocalization of the Ringed Kingfisher is a loud, harsh, rattling call that sounds like a series of mechanical, cackling notes. This call is often heard near water bodies as the bird perches high up and is used for territorial purposes and to communicate with other nearby kingfishers. 
Flight Call: When in flight, the Ringed Kingfisher produces a distinctive series of sharp, metallic chattering notes. This flight call is used to communicate with other kingfishers during movement in the air or while establishing territories.
Aggressive Calls: During territorial disputes or encounters with other birds, the Ringed Kingfisher may emit aggressive calls that are louder and more intense than its regular calls. These aggressive vocalizations serve as warnings to intruders to stay away from their territory.
Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, Ringed Kingfishers engage in courtship displays that involve vocalizations. These courtship calls are softer and more melodious compared to their typical calls and are used to attract mates and reinforce pair bonds.
Chatter: Apart from specific vocalizations, the Ringed Kingfisher can also produce a continuous chatter when perched, which may serve as a means of communication within mated pairs or family groups.