Birds of Panama, Kingfishers (article 1)

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In Panama, this family (Alcedinidae) is represented by 6 species. 

1/ Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)

Easy to spot and differentiate from other species, it is the largest (40 cm) and very recognizable by its bushy crest-shaped, very characteristic ruffled tuft. Its imposing and powerful beak can reach 8 centimeters.

Its plumage is predominantly bluish-gray. The male has a broad white collar and an anal area of the same color, the rest of the underside is rusty-brown. The female has a bluish-gray pectoral band outlined in white and the entire belly is rusty-brown.

It is often observed perched quite high on a dead branch above all types of water bodies. Lakes, rivers, or coastal mangroves, it is present everywhere throughout the country except above 1200 m altitude.

There it finds its preferred prey, rather large fish, but if the waters are murky, it can also feed on amphibians, insects, small reptiles, or others.

Ringed Kingfisher hovering before diving
Female Ringed Kingfisher preparing to dive
A female Ringed Kingfisher emerges from a dive with her fish
A female emerges from a dive with her fish
Female Ringed Kingfisher returning to her perch with her fish
Returning to the perch to eat
Female Ringed Kingfisher on her perch with her fish
A female on the perch is about to eat her catch
A male Ringed Kingfisher on his perch
A male observing from his perch
A female Ringed Kingfisher on her perch waiting for a fish to pass
A female on her perch waiting for a fish to pass
A male Ringed Kingfisher on a flowering branch
A male resting
A male Ringed Kingfisher preening his feathers after a dive
A male preening his feathers after a dive
Female Ringed Kingfisher hovering before diving
A female preparing to dive

More in this series of articles coming soon

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