Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Ringed kingfisher

I mentioned that the Tamarindo estuary was habitat for 57 species of birds. Here is the ringed kingfisher, which is the largest kingfisher in Costa Rica, reaching 41 cm (16 inches).
The ringed kingfisher is distinctive because of its long, sharp bill, its reddish belly, and green-blue wings, back, chest and head, and the white ring around its neck.

It hunts in both salt and fresh water, and estuaries are a perfect habitat for it. The ringed kingfisher tends to hang out on higher branches than smaller kingfishers and plunge into the water for prey. I imagine that the still waters of the estuary make it easier to spot its prey.
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6 comments:

  1. SharonSeptember 8, 2009 at 4:20 AM

    What a beautiful bird. I remember seeing when I visited. This is a fantastic photo, I wish mine was as good.

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  2. brattcatSeptember 8, 2009 at 5:01 AM

    That is one powerful looking beak. Great capture.

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  3. Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.comSeptember 8, 2009 at 7:16 AM

    I like kingfishers and this one is particularly pretty. the coloring and rings on this bird are very nice.

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2009 at 10:39 AM

    The feathers are nice. I would have expected more vibrant colors but maybe they would be a problem fishing.

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  5. glendaSeptember 8, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    What an interesting bird to use salt and fresh water for its food source. Neat picture.

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  6. UnknownSeptember 9, 2009 at 5:04 PM

    Beautiful! What a great capture!

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