Green Kingfisher

The Green Kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana, is a diminutive member of the water kingfisher family, Alcedinidae. This species is characterized by its vibrant green plumage and lacks the pronounced crest often seen in its relatives. Males and females differ slightly in size, with the latter being marginally larger and heavier. The bird's bill is notably robust, particularly in the Trinidad and Tobago population, and its legs and feet are a dark gray hue.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the species can be identified by their white collar and rufous breast, while females sport a white collar with a buffy throat and breast, and a distinctive band of green speckles across the breast and upper belly. Juveniles resemble the females but are somewhat duller with small buff spots on their crown and wing coverts. The green upperparts of both sexes are adorned with white spots on the flight feathers, and their underparts are predominantly white with green spots on the sides and flanks.

Habitat

The Green Kingfisher is typically found along wooded shorelines of streams, freshwater ponds, and lakes. It prefers still or slow-moving waters and requires low vegetation for hunting perches, although it generally favors more open habitats over dense forests.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, extending from southern Texas in the United States through Central and South America, excluding Chile and Trinidad and Tobago. It is a year-round resident within its territory, which can span over a kilometer of river.

Behaviour

The Green Kingfisher is known to hunt from perches, diving into the water to catch its prey, which includes small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. It is common for pairs to defend their feeding territories against other Green Kingfishers but not against other kingfisher species.

Song & Calls

The bird's vocalizations are quite distinctive, with one resembling the sound of pebbles being struck together and another being a harsh, buzzy scold. These sounds have been variously described and their exact purpose remains a topic of discussion among ornithologists.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary geographically, with Central America seeing activity during the dry season of spring and early summer, while in Suriname and Guyana, it may extend to August or beyond. The Green Kingfisher nests in earthen banks, with both sexes participating in the excavation of the burrow. Clutch sizes range from two to six eggs, with incubation lasting 19 to 21 days and fledging occurring 26 to 27 days after hatching.

Similar Species

While there are other kingfishers within its range, the Green Kingfisher can be distinguished by its size, coloration, and habitat preferences.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Green Kingfisher primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and various aquatic and terrestrial insects. The size of the fish captured tends to vary with availability and the presence of other kingfisher species in the area.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Green Kingfisher as Least Concern, with an estimated population of around 20 million mature individuals. Despite its large range, the population is believed to be in decline, although no immediate threats have been identified.