| Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) |
| Synonyms: Ceryle torquata, Ceryle torquatus |
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Megaceryle torquata occurs in the Americas: from Sinaloa (Mexico) and southmost Texas to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina; also in the Lesser Antilles and Trinidad. It vacates southmost Argentina during austral winter. Ringed Kingfisher is found near rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, marine shorelines, on some offshore islands, and, sometimes, at irrigation canals; usually below 500 m. A large, crested kingfisher; length 35-41 cm; weight 300-340 g; the bill is straight, longer than the head. A nearly complete white collar; upper parts and wings are bluish gray; the male has rusty brown underparts; in the female a narrow whitish band separates the bluish gray on upper breast from the rufous belly. Nests in burrows (ca. 2.5 m long) excavated in steep earthen banks; generally near water. Clutch size 3-6 eggs; incubation over 22 days; the young fledge after 35-38 days. M. torquata feeds mainly on small fish (8-15 cm long), and occasionally on crabs and crustaceans, large insects, and small reptiles. It hunts from perches, catching fish by plunge-diving; hovers rarely.
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