Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)

Identification & Behavior: ~28.7 cm (11.3 in). The Amazon Kingfisher is the second largest kingfisher occurring in Peru. Males and females have glossy green upperparts, thick long bill, conspicuous crest, and a broad white neck collar. Males have a bright rufous breast and white rest of the underpart. Females have dark green “broken” breast band and white in the rest of the belly. Immature birds resemble females. It is distinguished from Green Kingfisher by larger size, longer and thicker bill, and females with a single broken breast band. Both species occur together only in Amazonia. Also, see Ringed Kingfisher.

Status: The Amazon Kingfisher favors smaller and slow flowing rivers, creeks, and bodies of water with vegetated edges. It is generally uncommon, but can be common in areas that have the right habitat conditions. It tends to fly low near the water. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Martín Pescador Amazónico.

Sub-species: Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) Latham, 1790.

Meaning of Name: Chloroceryle: Gr. Kloros=green, ceryle (kerulos)= a mythological bird mentioned by Aristotle. amazona: originating from the Amazon region. A green mythological bird from the Amazon region.

See more of the Family Alcedinidae