Genus Megaceryle (Large Crested Kingfishers) Identification Guide
The genus Megaceryle, the large crested kingfishers, is a group of kingfishers with 4 species. They occur in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is 28-35 centimeters (11-14 inches) long and weighs 113-178 grams (4-6.3 ounces). The wingspan is 48-58 centimeters (19-23 inches). The female averages slightly larger than the male. This species has a shaggy crest and a long, black bill with a grey base. The male has a slate blue head, white collar, a blue breast band, and white underparts. The female is similar to the male, but with a rufous band across the upper belly and extending to the flanks. This species frequently emits a rattling call. This species lives close to streams and rivers, and can frequently be seen perched in trees and on poles near streams and rivers. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en-US&place_id=any&preferred_place_id=50&subview=map&taxon_id=2548
The Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is 16 inches (40.64 centimeters) long and weighs 305-341 grams (10.8-12 ounces. This species has a wingspan of 25 inches (63.5 centimeters). A large kingfisher species with a shaggy crest, white collar, blue head, and blue back. Males have a chestnut belly. Females are similar to males, but with a blue breast band. Makes a short "klek" sound and a rattling call. This call is similar to the Belted Kingfisher's, but is lower in pitch. Lives near freshwater rivers and streams. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?taxon_id=2556
The Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) is 16.5-18 inches (42-46 centimeters) long and weighs 255-426 grams (9-15 ounces). This species has a shaggy crest, large black bill, white collar, and small white spots on black upper parts. Males have a chestnut breast band, white underparts, and dark flank barring. The female has a white-spotted black breast band and a chestnut belly. The call is a loud "wak wak wak". Lives near rivers and streams. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?verifiable=true&taxon_id=73010&preferred_place_id=50&locale=en-US
The Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris) is 41-43 centimeters (16-17 inches) long and weighs 230-280 grams (8.11-9.87 ounces). This species is similar of the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle Rudis), but lacks the white eyebrow stripe (supercilium). This species has a shaggy crest and black body, with white barring and white underparts. The breast is spotted, and sometimes has rufous mixed in as well. The call is a loud rattle. Lives near fast-flowing streams. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?taxon_id=2556, https://ebird.org/map/crekin1
Comentarios
Agregar un comentario