The bluish-fronted jacamar is a species of bird in the family Galbulidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Most common in humid lowland rainforest mosaics, especially along forest edges, light gaps, and river margins. It frequents terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests as well as secondary growth and clearings with scattered trees. Birds typically perch in the subcanopy or along sunny forest edges and stream corridors. It is often seen near oxbow lakes, river islands, and along sandy banks where it may also nest.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bluish-fronted jacamar is a perch-and-sally insect hunter that specializes in catching flying insects like dragonflies and butterflies. Pairs often duet with clear, whistled notes and nest by excavating burrows in sandy riverbanks or earthen banks. Its glossy plumage shows a bluish sheen on the forehead that helps distinguish it from similar jacamars. It occurs in the southwestern Amazon of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Temperament
usually in pairs and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small family groups along edges and waterways. Pairs are strongly site-faithful and maintain territories. They excavate tunnel nests in sandy or earthen banks, with both sexes participating in digging and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled notes and short, sweet trills, often delivered in duets. Calls carry well along river corridors and forest edges and may accelerate into a brief series when excited.
Plumage
Glossy metallic green upperparts with a distinct bluish sheen on the forehead and face, contrasting with a white throat and rufous to cinnamon underparts. Tail often rufous with a metallic gloss; feathers sleek and iridescent. Long, straight, dagger-like bill and compact body typical of jacamars.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, and beetles. It launches from exposed perches to snatch prey in midair and often returns to the same perch. Prey is usually subdued by beating it against the perch, and stingers may be removed before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Forages along sunny forest edges, riverbanks, and clearings with scattered trees that provide open flyways. Often hunts above streams and oxbow lakes where aerial insects are abundant.
