The Amazon kingfisher is a species of "water kingfisher" in subfamily Cerylinae of family Alcedinidae. It is found in the lowlands of the American tropics from southern Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina.
Region
Central and South American tropics
Typical Environment
Found from southern Mexico through Central America and much of tropical South America to northern Argentina. It occupies lowland freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, ponds, and marsh edges, and occasionally uses mangrove-lined estuaries. The species favors areas with open water and ample perches like branches, snags, and exposed roots. It tends to avoid fast, turbulent mountain streams and very open coastlines, preferring quieter backwaters and slow-moving channels.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Amazon kingfisher is the largest member of the New World green kingfisher genus Chloroceryle. It typically hunts by perching quietly over water and plunging to catch small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Males show a bold rufous breast band, while females lack this band and instead have green barring across the chest. Its call is a loud, dry rattle often heard along tropical rivers and lagoons.
A female hovering over the Tárcoles River in Costa Rica
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
direct, low over water with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs defending stretches of water. Pairs excavate nesting burrows in earthen riverbanks, ending in a small chamber. They are monogamous during the breeding season and both sexes participate in excavating and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a loud, dry, rattling series of notes, often accelerating slightly. Also gives sharp, metallic ticks and chatters during flight or when alarmed.
Plumage
Glossy green upperparts with a shaggy crest, clean white throat and belly, and contrasting chest markings that differ by sex.
Diet
Primarily small fish captured by plunge-diving from a perch. Also takes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small amphibians. Prey is usually subdued by beating against a perch before being swallowed headfirst.
Preferred Environment
Hunts from exposed branches, snags, rocks, or low wires over calm or slow-moving water. Favours sheltered pools, backwaters, and river margins with good visibility and cover.
