Martin-pescador Matraquero
Amazon Kingfisher
Chloroceryle amazona
Song
Amazon Kingfisher
Appearance:
The Amazon Kingfisher is a large kingfisher with a distinctive appearance. It has a sturdy build, a long, pointed bill, and a prominent head crest. The bird's plumage is predominantly green with a white throat and chest, a rufous belly, and a blue crown. The Amazon Kingfisher exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically having a broad chest band while females have a narrower band or lack it completely.
Habitat:
The Amazon Kingfisher is typically found in lowland tropical forests, mangroves, rivers, streams, and ponds. In Colombia, they can be spotted in a variety of habitats such as the Amazon Basin, Orinoco River basin, coastal areas, and other forested regions with water bodies.
Behavior:
As a skilled fisher, the Amazon Kingfisher hunts by plunging from perches near water bodies to catch fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey. They are often observed perched on branches or wires near water, scanning for prey. Amazon Kingfishers are known for their solitary and territorial nature, defending their fishing spots from other individuals.
Breeding:
During the breeding season, Amazon Kingfisher pairs engage in courtship displays that involve calling and aerial acrobatics. They nest in burrows excavated in riverbanks or earthen cliffs, where the female lays a clutch of eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the young.
Conservation Status: The Amazon Kingfisher is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its widespread distribution and stable population.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
Amazon Basin: The extensive Amazon Basin in the southern part of Colombia, mainly covering departments like Amazonas, Caquetá, and Putumayo, is a key habitat for the Amazon Kingfisher.
Orinoco River Basin: The eastern region of Colombia, including areas along the Orinoco River in departments like Vichada and Arauca, provides suitable habitat for the Amazon Kingfisher.
Pacific Coast: The Pacific Coast region, encompassing departments such as Chocó and Valle del Cauca, is another area where the Amazon Kingfisher can be found, particularly in mangroves and coastal habitats.
Magdalena River Basin: The Magdalena River, flowing through central Colombia and passing through regions like Huila, Tolima, and Magdalena, also provides habitat for the Amazon Kingfisher.
Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales): The vast grasslands of the Llanos Orientales region in the east, including departments like Meta and Casanare, are also part of the distribution range of the Amazon Kingfisher.
Andean Region: In some areas of the Andean region, especially where there are rivers, streams, and wetlands, the Amazon Kingfisher can be found. This includes departments such as Antioquia and Cundinamarca.
Taxonomy
The Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Alcedinidae
- Genus: Chloroceryle
- Species: Chloreceryle amazona
Vocalization
Rattling Call: The Amazon Kingfisher often produces a rattling call that sounds like a rapid series of loud, rolling notes. This call is often used to establish territory boundaries and warn off potential intruders.
Chatter Calls: The bird is known to emit chattering calls, especially during interactions with its mate or offspring. These calls can vary in intensity and pitch, conveying different messages in different contexts.
Scolding Call: When disturbed or threatened, the Amazon Kingfisher may emit a sharp, scolding call as an alarm or defensive response. This call serves to alert nearby individuals of potential danger.
Flight Call: During flight, the Amazon Kingfisher may produce a distinctive flight call, which is typically a series of sharp, high-pitched notes repeated as it moves from one location to another.
Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, male and female Amazon Kingfishers engage in courtship displays accompanied by specific calls and vocalizations. These calls are softer and more melodious compared to their territorial or alarm calls.
Contact Calls: Amazon Kingfishers use contact calls to maintain communication with their mate or offspring, especially when they are apart. These calls help them keep track of each other's location and maintain social bonds.
