Martín-pescador Chico
Green Kingfisher
Chloroceryle americana
Song
Green Kingfisher
Appearance: The Green Kingfisher is a medium-sized kingfisher, about 20 cm (8 in) in length. It has a bright green back and wings, with a white collar around its neck and a rufous belly. The male Green Kingfisher has a white spot on its throat, while the female lacks this feature. This species has a long, thick bill and a short tail.
Habitat: Green Kingfishers are commonly found near slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and mangroves in tropical and subtropical regions. They prefer habitats with overhanging branches or vegetation near water bodies, which provide suitable perches for hunting.
Behavior: Green Kingfishers are skilled hunters that feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and amphibians. They utilize a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, perching quietly near water and diving swiftly to catch their prey. These birds are known for their rattling call, which they use to communicate and establish territory.
Breeding: Green Kingfishers typically nest in burrows dug into riverbanks, sandy cliffs, or similar sites near water. They lay a clutch of 4-7 white eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 19-21 days. Both male and female Green Kingfishers participate in feeding and caring for the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Green Kingfisher is considered a species of Least Concern as per the IUCN Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
Andean Region: The Green Kingfisher can be found in the Andean region including areas along the eastern and western slopes of the Andes Mountains. Suitable habitats in this region, such as rivers and streams in montane forests and foothills, provide favorable conditions for the presence of Green Kingfishers.
Northern Colombia: Green Kingfishers are also present in regions along the Caribbean coast and adjoining lowland areas. Mangrove forests, estuaries, and coastal wetlands in the north provide important breeding and foraging grounds for these kingfishers.
Eastern Plains (Llanos): The Green Kingfisher is known to inhabit the extensive savannas and wetlands of the Eastern Plains (Llanos) region in Colombia. This species can be found near rivers, oxbow lakes, and marshes in the flat grassland landscapes characteristic of the Llanos.
Amazon Rainforest: The Green Kingfisher occurs in lowland rainforests, riverine habitats, and oxbow lakes within the vast Amazonian wilderness. The network of rivers and tributaries in the Amazon river provides ample opportunities for Green Kingfishers to thrive.
Pacific Coast:
Along the Pacific coast the Green Kingfisher can be found in mangrove forests, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. This region offers a mix of freshwater and brackish water habitats that support diverse bird species, including the Green Kingfisher.
Taxonomy
The Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Alcedinidae
- Genus: Chloroceryle
- Species: Chloroceryle americana
Vocalization
Rattle Call: The most characteristic vocalization of the Green Kingfisher is its rattling call, which is often described as a sharp, rapid series of harsh, rolling notes. This rattle call is used by Green Kingfishers for various purposes, including territorial defense, courtship displays, and communicating with other individuals in their vicinity.
Contact Calls: Apart from the rattling call, Green Kingfishers also produce softer, chattering contact calls while foraging or interacting with their mates and offspring. These contact calls are used to maintain contact with other family members or to coordinate activities like hunting and breeding within their social group.
Alarm Calls: When Green Kingfishers perceive a potential threat or predator nearby, they may emit sharp, high-pitched alarm calls to alert other individuals in the vicinity. These alarm calls serve as a warning signal, prompting the birds to be vigilant and potentially take evasive action to avoid danger.
Breeding Calls: During the breeding season, Green Kingfishers may engage in vocal displays to attract potential mates and reinforce pair bonds. Male Green Kingfishers may perform elaborate vocalizations, including trills or chattering calls, as part of courtship rituals to demonstrate their fitness and attract a mate.
