The coppery-chested jacamar is a species of bird in the family Galbulidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, primarily in humid evergreen and submontane forests. It prefers forest edges, secondary growth, landslides, and riparian corridors where open sightlines aid aerial insect hunting. Birds are often seen along roadcuts and clearings within otherwise dense foothill forest. Local presence is patchy, tracking suitable edge habitat. It is generally uncommon but can be locally frequent where habitat persists.
Altitude Range
600–1700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its distinctive coppery sheen on the chest, this jacamar spends long periods perched quietly before darting out to snatch flying insects. It typically nests by digging tunnels into earthen banks along forest edges or stream cuts. The species is tied to Andean foothill forests, where it favors semi-open edges and clearings.
Temperament
quiet and watchful
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining small territories along forest edges or streams. Pairs excavate nesting burrows in earthen banks or steep cuts, where they lay a small clutch. They spend much time perched in open view, returning to the same perch after each foraging sally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice consists of thin, high-pitched whistles and clear, descending notes delivered from exposed perches. Calls can be sporadic and easily overlooked against forest background noise.
Plumage
Glossy green upperparts with a striking coppery-bronze chest and warm rufous underparts; iridescence shifts with light. The throat is pale to whitish, contrasting with darker head and breast. Long, straight dagger-like bill and relatively short wings and tail compared with similar bee-eater–like birds.
Diet
Hunts flying insects such as butterflies, dragonflies, bees, wasps, and beetles. From a fixed perch, it sallies out to capture prey in the air with swift, direct flights. Prey with stingers are often subdued and cleaned by rubbing or battering before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Edges of humid foothill forest, gaps, treefall clearings, and along rivers or roadcuts with exposed banks. Frequently forages from mid-level perches with good visibility.
