Go Green (Kingfisher)

Birdorable Green Kingfisher

The Green Kingfisher is one of three kingfishers found in the United States, but at 7.5 inches long it is much smaller than the Belted and Ringed Kingfisher. It is also very rare in this country and can only be found in the south of Texas. It lives throughout Central and South America as far south as central Argentina. Johann Friedlich GmelinUnlike the other two kingfishers, Green Kingfishers also fly low over the water's surface and can be found perching on low branches. The Green Kingfisher was first described in 1788 by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin (pictures right), who gave it the latin name Chloroceryle americana. Here's a picture of a female Green Kingfisher, which lacks the broad chestnut breast band that males have, like the one on the mangrove in the picture above.

Green kingfisher female
Photo by Lip Kee

Unfortunately I have never seen a Green Kingfisher. Have you?

Comments

parrotlet on January 30, 2009 at 1:47 PM wrote:
nope, sure cute though

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published

Spotlight on the Vietnam Pheasant: An Endangered Rainforest Species

How can a year both fly by and drag on? Can we all agree that 2021 has been an interesting one? As the weeks wind down, it's time for us here at Birdorable to share a flock of new birds in quick...

The Grey Fantail Joins Birdorable: Australia's Acrobatic Performer

The Grey Fantail, a charming and energetic little songbird from Australia and neighboring island nations, is the latest addition to our Birdorable family. These delightful birds are a joy to watch, particularly known for their acrobatic flights and lively tail movements. As...

About Little Terns: Tiny Titans of the Tides

Little Terns might seem like unremarkable seabirds at first glance, but these feathered beach inhabitants pack a surprising punch of interesting facts. Here's why you should appreciate these tiny titans...

T-Shirt Tuesday: Santa Owls

This is one of our most popular designs: cute Birdorable owls wear santa hats while perched upon candy canes. It is not something you would easily see in the wild, but we find it cute nonetheless. Our Santa Owls design is available on many different products including...