Green Kingfisher Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A small kingfisher with a very long, pointed bill, rather long tail, and short, rather narrow wings.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Tree Swallow, much smaller than a Belted Kingfisher.

    Relative Sizebetween sparrow and robinbetween sparrow and robin
    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 11.8 in (30 cm)
      • Weight: 1.2-1.4 oz (35-40 g)
      • Wingspan: 11.0 in (27.9 cm)

Regional Differences

Of the five very similar subspecies recognized by ornithologists, only hachisukai occurs in the United States. It is strongly marked in the wing and has a bronzy green rather than blue-green sheen in the upperparts. The subspecies found farther south (septentrionalis, americana, cabanisii, and mathewsii) differ mostly in size and in the extent of white markings in the wings, dark markings in the underparts, and the tone of green in the plumage.

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