Bird · GBIF taxon 2475482
Amazon Kingfisher
Chloroceryle amazonaAlso known as Amazonian Kingfisher
Amazon kingfishers are robust water kingfishers that perch low over calm streams, rivers, and mangrove swamps, watching motionless for movement in the water below. Once prey is spotted, they plunge headfirst into the stream, seizing small fish before returning to a favorite branch to beat and swallow their catch. Males display a striking deep chestnut breast band, whereas females feature a clear white chest with green spots along the sides.
PiscivoreTropicalRiverside

Licensed reference(c) Lip Kee Yap, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Freshwater crabs
- Aquatic insects
Predators
- Hawks
- Falcons
- Arboreal snakes
ThreatsDeforestation, water pollution, wetland degradation
HabitatsLowland rivers, forested streams, mangrove swamps, lake margins
Life span6–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAlcedinidae
- SpeciesChloroceryle amazona
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observing: Scan exposed, low-hanging branches over shaded riverbanks where individuals sit motionless.
- Audio Identification: Listen for a harsh, loud clicking call or a dry rattling sound emitted when flushed.
- Distance: Maintain a respectful distance along waterways to avoid disturbing perched birds.
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