High in the lush Costa Rican mountains, where emerald rivers snake through the rainforest, you might catch a glimpse of a dazzling avian jewel – the Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. This shy but stunning bird is a resident of the American tropics, gracing our retreat with its presence from Nicaragua down to southern Brazil.
A Kingfisher Unlike Any Other
Standing at just 8 inches tall, the Green-and-rufous Kingfisher is a fairly small member of the kingfisher family. But don’t let its size fool you – its beauty is undeniable. True to its name, this bird boasts a captivating combination of colors. The upperparts are a deep, glossy green, catching the sunlight like polished emeralds. White speckles dance across its wings, adding a touch of whimsy.
A striking contrast comes in the form of a broad, light rufous (reddish-brown) collar that adorns the Green-and-rufous Kingfisher’s neck. This vibrant band separates the emerald green upperparts from the most distinctive feature – a completely rufous belly. This solid rufous belly is a key identifier, differentiating it from its similar cousin, the American Pygmy Kingfisher, which has a white center on its belly.
While both sexes share the stunning green back and rufous belly, there’s a subtle difference. Females have a unique speckled green band across their chest, adding another layer of visual intrigue to this already fascinating bird.
A Life Lived in the Shadows
Unlike some of its brightly colored kingfisher kin, the Green-and-rufous Kingfisher prefers the dimmer recesses of the rainforest. It favors slow-moving streams and swamps, perching inconspicuously on vegetation overhanging the water. This preference for shade and seclusion makes spotting one a delightful surprise for our retreat guests venturing deeper into the mountain forests.
A Patient Predator
The Green-and-rufous Kingfisher is an adept hunter, with a keen eye and lightning-fast reflexes. Perched on its hidden platform, it surveys the water with unwavering focus. When a fish, insect, or small crustacean catches its attention, the kingfisher dives with remarkable speed and precision, snatching its prey from the water in a flash of emerald and rust.
While these birds are uncommon to rare throughout the Amazon basin, guests exploring the foothills of the Costa Rican mountains below 1000 meters might be lucky enough to encounter one. If you keep your eyes peeled (and your ears tuned for their distinctive trilling call), you might just get a glimpse of this dazzling denizen of the Costa Rican rainforest.
See a Green-and-rufous Kingfisher for Yourself
The Green-and-rufous Kingfisher is a remarkable resident of the Costa Rican mountains, adding a touch of vibrant color and fascinating behavior to the rainforest ecosystem. If you’re looking for an unforgettable birdwatching experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, then our mountain retreat is the perfect place to start. With its diverse habitats and abundant birdlife, you might just be lucky enough to spot this emerald and rust wonder during your stay.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
