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 - American Pygmy Kingfisher
 - American Pygmy Kingfisher
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American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea Scientific name definitions

P. F. Woodall
Version: 1.0 — Published March 4, 2020
Text last updated October 2, 2013

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Introduction

This tiny kingfisher is sparse, though perhaps often overlooked, throughout its large range in tropical lowlands. They are found along quiet streams in forest interior, as well as flooded várzea and swampy edges of lakes. They perch low, and generally stay concealed. Their flight is fast and buzzy. Overall, this species is unique in its minute size, but also note the buffy collar, rufous breast and flanks with white belly, and solid green back. Their most frequently-heard vocalization consists of quiet ticking notes, though they also give a more song-like series of high, rapid notes. Like other kingfishers, their nest is a burrow in an exposed bank.

Subspecies


SUBSPECIES

Chloroceryle aenea stictoptera Scientific name definitions

Distribution

S Mexico (Puebla, Veracruz, Yucatán, Chiapas) to N and C Costa Rica.

SUBSPECIES

Chloroceryle aenea aenea Scientific name definitions

Distribution

C Costa Rica to N Colombia, S on W side of Andes to W Ecuador and, E of Andes, E to Venezuela, the Guianas and Trinidad and S to E Ecuador, E Peru, N Bolivia, Paraguay, NE Argentina (Misiones) and SC Brazil (São Paulo).
Distribution of the American Pygmy Kingfisher - Range Map
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  • Year-round
  • Migration
  • Breeding
  • Non-Breeding
Distribution of the American Pygmy Kingfisher

Recommended Citation

Woodall, P. F. (2020). American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.ampkin1.01
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