American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea)

Identification & Behavior: ~12.8 cm (5 in). The American Pygmy Kingfisher is the smallest of all kingfishers in Peru.  Males and females have glossy green upperparts and a broad light rufous neck collar. The underparts in both sexes are rufous with white in the center of the belly. Females have a green-white speckled breast band and more extensive white on the center of the belly. It differs from the similar Green and Rufous Kingfisher in being smaller and having the white center of the belly.

Status: The American Pygmy Kingfisher favors slow-flowing rivers, creeks, forest pools, and similar habitat where it perches in secluded and often dark conditions close to the water. Often found in pairs. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Martín Pescador Pigmeo.

Sub-species: American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) Pallas, 1764.

Meaning of Name: Chloroceryle: Gr. Kloros=green, ceryle (kerulos)= a mythological bird mentioned by Aristotle. aenea: L. aes, aeris = tan, bronzed. A Ceryle with a predominantly tan or bronzed coloration.

See more of the Family Alcedinidae