Ringed kingfisher

The ringed kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is a large, conspicuous and noisy kingfisher bird commonly found along the lower Rio Grande valley in southeasternmost Texas in the United States through Central America to Tierra del Fuego in South America. The Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is a Neotropical kingfisher that lives in habitats ranging between the USA and Mexico. In 1888, the species was first discovered in the USA, while the first Ringed Kingfisher nest was found in 1970. They are commonly seen along the Rio Grande and in waterbodies in southern Texas. Their distribution is increasing and expanding upwards. The wings of adult males range between 184.9 and 211.1 millimetres (7.28 and 8.31 in), which on average measures 196.3 mm (7.73 in).  Their tail range between 110.0–129.0 mm (4.33–5.08 in), and the bill measures 74.9–94 mm (2.95–3.70 in). Female wings range 185.0-210.1 mm, as the tail measures 111.5–132.1 mm (4.39–5.20 in) and possess a bill measuring 75.9–90.9 mm (2.99–3.58 in). Individuals can weigh between 305 and 341 g (10.8 and 12.0 oz). Such measurements prove that the species do not differ sexually in terms of size. Ringed Kingfishers have a dark-brown iris that is constant amongst all age groups. They possess a straight bill that is longer than its head, along with a curved culmen and tomial serrations. The lower mandible appears to have some yellowish colorations. They possess syndactil feet with olive-green or yellowish toes and black claws. A large crest appears to be between the base of the bill and neck. Several individuals have a white collar located around the neck. Each Ringed Kingfisher possesses 10 primaries, 15 secondaries, 3 tertials and 12 rectrices. Wings are rounded, and tail is squared. Subspecies can be found in Texas, Mexico, Central America and South America, due to slight plumage differences. Individuals themselves vary slightly as a result of variable environmental constraints and day-length regimes. Ringed Kingfishers can be identified by sex due to differences in coloration. The males possess rusty-brown underparts with white undertail coverts and a white throat. Females have a bluish-gray band seen on upper breast and a whitish band. A Ringed Kingisher’s clutch size is approximated to be 3-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 22 days. The Ringed Kingfisher is from the family Alcedinidae in the order Coraciiformes. The Ringed Kingfisher is related to the Belted Kingfisher. Overall, the species appears much larger than its counterpart, while possessing a rufous belly, a massive bill and a blue back.