The ringed kingfisher is a large, conspicuous, and noisy kingfisher bird commonly found along the lower Rio Grande Valley in southeasternmost Texas in the United States through Central America to Tierra del Fuego in South America.
Region
Central and South America (reaching into southern North America)
Typical Environment
This species inhabits freshwater and brackish environments including large rivers, oxbow lakes, reservoirs, marshes, and mangrove-lined estuaries. It favors open water with perches such as exposed branches, wires, or rocks from which it can watch for prey. It also occurs along coastlines, especially near river mouths, and adapts well to human-altered waterways like canals and dams. It is widespread from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to much of South America, reaching as far south as Tierra del Fuego.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ringed kingfisher is the largest kingfisher in the Americas, instantly recognized by its loud, rattling call and powerful, direct flight. It frequents rivers, lakes, marshes, mangroves, and even canals, often perching conspicuously before plunge-diving for fish. Males are rufous below with a bold white collar, while females show an additional bluish-gray breast band. Its range spans from the lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas through Central America to Tierra del Fuego.
A closer look at the head of a male ringed kingfisher
Male Kingfisher perching over a river to capture its prey
Coiba Island, an example of a preferred ringed kingfisher habitat
Ringed kingfisher flying with wings extended
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically hunts alone or in pairs and defends linear territories along waterways. Breeding pairs excavate long burrows in vertical riverbanks where they lay and incubate eggs. They are conspicuous perch-hunters, often returning to favored lookouts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, rattling series of kek-kek-kek notes, often delivered in flight or from exposed perches. Calls are penetrating and carry over long distances along rivers.
