The three-toed jacamar is a species of bird in the family Galbulidae. It is monotypic within the genus Jacamaralcyon.
Region
Eastern Brazil, Atlantic Forest
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest, especially along rivers, forest edges, and clearings. It favors semi-open habitats within forest mosaics, including secondary growth and shaded agroforestry such as cocoa plantations. Birds often perch conspicuously on branches or fence lines overlooking gaps. Nesting typically uses earthen banks, road cuts, or streamside bluffs for tunnel burrows. The species’ range is highly fragmented due to deforestation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The three-toed jacamar is the only member of its genus and is unique among jacamars for having only three toes, a reduction of the first toe. It hawks flying insects from exposed perches along forest edges and rivers. This Atlantic Forest endemic is threatened by habitat loss and now persists in small, fragmented populations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories along forest edges and waterways. Monogamous pairs excavate nesting tunnels in earthen banks, where both sexes participate in incubation and chick rearing. Family groups may remain together briefly after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, thin whistles and sharp, high-pitched notes from prominent perches. Vocalizations are simple but carry well through edge habitats, often delivered in short series at dawn.
