The scientific name of the Ringed Kingfisher is Megaceryle torquata which translates (roughly) as Megakingfisher with a collar. The white collar is also the feature that gives rise to “Ringed”. It is found throughout Tropical America but occurs right down to Teirra del Fuego. It is the largest Kingfisher in the Americas, even bigger than the Belted Kingfisher of North America. Like most Kingfishers it nests in a hole in a riverbank which it excavates itself. I photographed this male (females have a broad blue breast band) in Brazil’s Pantanal region.
Taken with Nikon D500 Nikkor 300mm f4 lens with 1.4 converter f5.6 1/2000 ISO 1000
[registration_form]
Strikingly similar to the giant kingfisher in Africa (Megaceryle maxima).