Bird · GBIF taxon 2475486
Green Kingfisher
Chloroceryle americanaAlso known as Texas Green Kingfisher
Green kingfishers perch low over calm streams and shaded creeks, scanning the water below for small fish before diving headfirst with swift precision. Males display a prominent broad rufous chest band, while females feature double bands of dark green spots across a clean white breast. They construct burrow nests by tunneling directly into vertical earthen banks along freshwater margins.
PiscivoreRiparianColorful
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Aquatic insects
- Crustaceans
Predators
- Raptors
- Snakes
ThreatsHabitat destruction, stream pollution, and loss of earthen nesting banks
HabitatsStreams, rivers, mangroves, ponds, and forested creeks
Life span4–7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAlcedinidae
- SpeciesChloroceryle americana
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
- Scan Low Branches: Look for perches just a few inches above shaded stream surfaces rather than high tree canopy.
- Listen for Calls: Listen for a sharp, metallic clicking sound similar to two pebbles struck together.
- Keep Distance at Banks: Avoid disturbing steep clay or mud stream banks where nesting tunnels are dug.
Frequent Companion (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
Cousin (c) chloe ⋆˚꩜｡, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by chloe ⋆˚꩜｡ · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Lip Kee Yap, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Derek Spencer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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