American Pigmy Kingfisher
American Pigmy Kingfisher

The American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) occurs naturally in the American tropics from southern Mexico south through Central America to western Ecuador, and then around the northern Andes cordillera in the east to central Bolivia and central Brazil. It is a tiny kingfisher of shady forest streams and mangroves which often darts away when disturbed, but can be confiding if approached quietly. Usually perches fairly low over the water. About half of the size of the Green Kingfisher and easily distinguished by rusty underparts and poorly contrasting pale neck collar (bright white on Green Kingfisher). Female has a narrow green breast band which is lacking on male.

Photographer: Dave Saunders

American Pigmy Kingfisher

The American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) occurs naturally in the American tropics from southern Mexico south through Central America to western Ecuador, and then around the northern Andes cordillera in the east to central Bolivia and central Brazil. It is a tiny kingfisher of shady forest streams and mangroves which often darts away when disturbed, but can be confiding if approached quietly. Usually perches fairly low over the water. About half of the size of the Green Kingfisher and easily distinguished by rusty underparts and poorly contrasting pale neck collar (bright white on Green Kingfisher). Female has a narrow green breast band which is lacking on male.

Photographer: Dave Saunders