The green kingfisher is a species of "water kingfisher" in the subfamily Cerylinae of the family Alcedinidae. It is found from southern Texas in the United States south through Central America, and in every mainland South American country except Chile.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Found from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America into most of South America, absent only from Chile. It favors slow- to moderately flowing streams, shaded creeks, ponds, marsh edges, and mangroves, usually where there are overhanging branches close to the water. Most common in lowlands but locally up foothill rivers. Often seen perched just above the water and making short sallies to feed. Tolerates both clear and somewhat turbid waters, provided prey is available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, compact kingfisher, it hunts by making quick plunge-dives from low perches over water. Males show a rich rufous chest band, while females lack rufous and instead have a green breast band with spotted underparts. It nests in burrows excavated into earthen banks. Compared with the larger Amazon Kingfisher, it is smaller, darker, and perches lower over streams.
Male C. a. septentrionalis, Panama
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
low over water with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or as a pair along a defended stretch of stream or pond edge. Pairs excavate a burrow in an earthen bank where they lay and incubate eggs. Courtship includes vocal exchanges and perch-hunting displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, dry chips and rattling chatters, often given in flight or from a perch. Calls carry well over water and are used to advertise territory and maintain contact between mates.
