MARTIM-PESCADOR-GRANDE (AS KNOWN IN BRAZIL)

Megaceryle torquata

The Ringed Kingfisher is the largest species of kingfisher. Also known as the
ariramba-grande in Brazil, it measures approximately 16,5 inches in length. It
features grayish-green plumage on the dorsal side and rusty plumage on the
ventral side. Parts of its wings and tail are adorned with white. Its long, straight
bill has a light base and a dark tip.
It primarily feeds on fish, which it spots from a high perch, often near clean
waters. When it spots its prey, it dives towards it and, after capturing it, returns to
the perch. With the fish in its bill, it causes its death by striking it against a hard
surface. It also feeds on small reptiles, amphibians, and crabs. It lives in pairs
during the breeding season and builds its nest in cliffs or rocks that measure 3,2 to
6,5 feet in length. It lays 2 to 6 eggs that are rounded and pure white. On average,
the eggs hatch in 22 days, and the fledglings leave the nest after 35 days.
It is found near rivers, streams, lagoons, ponds, reservoirs, mangroves, and coastal
areas. It can be found throughout Brazil, in the southernmost regions of the
United States, Mexico, and across all South America.