Head to head
Ringed Kingfisher vs Belted Kingfisher
Ringed Kingfisher
VS Belted Kingfisher
The ringed kingfisher and belted kingfisher are closely related American kingfishers that share overlapping range and several notable traits.
| Ringed Kingfisher | Belted Kingfisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Megaceryle torquata | Megaceryle alcyon |
| Relative size | Largest kingfisher in the Americas | Smaller |
| Native range | Southern US to South America | North America |
| Nesting site | Riverbank burrow | Earth-bank tunnel |
| Sexual dimorphism | Female more colourful | Female more colourful |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Wetlands, coastal | Wetlands, coastal |
Ringed Kingfisher vs Belted Kingfisher: common questions
Which is bigger, the ringed kingfisher or the belted kingfisher?
The ringed kingfisher is bigger, holding the title of largest kingfisher in the Americas, while the belted kingfisher is a smaller, though still substantial, close relative found across North America.
Do both the ringed kingfisher and belted kingfisher have more colourful females?
Yes, both species show reversed sexual dimorphism compared to most birds, with females displaying more colourful plumage than males, an unusual trait shared across this genus of kingfishers.
Where does the belted kingfisher nest compared to the ringed kingfisher?
Both species nest in tunnels dug into earth banks near water, a shared nesting strategy across this genus despite the ringed kingfisher's larger size and preference for bigger rivers and lakes.