Ringed Kingfisher Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A heavy-bodied, very large kingfisher, with a thick, daggerlike bill, shaggy crest, fairly long tail, moderately long wings, and short legs.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Belted Kingfisher, smaller than an American Crow.

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow
    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 11.0-13.8 in (28-35 cm)
      • Weight: 4.9-6.0 oz (140-170 g)
      • Wingspan: 25.0 in (63.5 cm)

Regional Differences

Of the three similar subspecies recognized by ornithologists, only torquatus occurs in the United States. It is paler above and longer billed than the two subspecies found south (stictipennis) and east (stellata) of its range, which also differ in the extent of white markings in the wings and dark markings in the undertail coverts.

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