The white-eared jacamar is a species of bird in the family Galbulidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs along major rivers and oxbow lakes in lowland rainforest floodplains of Brazil (western Amazon), southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northeastern Peru. It favors river islands, young secondary growth, and riverbank scrub with scattered trees, often near stands of bamboo. The species is typically found at forest edges, open gallery forests, and along sandy bars with early successional vegetation. It perches conspicuously near water, using open sight lines to forage. Nests are usually in arboreal termite nests or occasionally in earthen banks.
Altitude Range
0–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-eared jacamar is a river-edge specialist of the western Amazon, easily recognized by its stark white ear patch against rich rufous plumage. It hunts on the wing, sallying from exposed perches to snatch dragonflies, butterflies, and other flying insects. Pairs often nest in active arboreal termite nests, excavating a tunnel to reach a brood chamber. Its presence is a good indicator of intact floodplain and river-island habitats.
Temperament
quiet and watchful, often tame at close range
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that maintain territories along river margins. They nest in cavities excavated in active arboreal termite nests or occasionally in earthen banks. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, thin whistles and high, slightly descending notes from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tseet or tee-tee notes, often delivered in short series at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Mostly rich rufous-chestnut with a conspicuous clean white patch on the ear coverts; wings and tail slightly darker with a subtle sheen. Plumage is smooth and even-toned without heavy barring or spots.
Diet
Primarily takes flying insects, especially dragonflies, butterflies, bees, wasps, and beetles. Hunts by sallying from an open perch and returning to the same or nearby perch to swallow prey. Occasionally gleans from foliage but mostly captures prey on the wing. Larger prey may be beaten against the perch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Forages along riverbanks, oxbow lakes, and river islands where open sight lines and abundant aerial insects occur. Frequently uses exposed branches or snags near water and edges of floodplain forest or early successional scrub.
