Head to head
Rufous-tailed Jacamar vs Paradise Jacamar
Rufous-tailed Jacamar
VS Paradise Jacamar
Both are jacamars that catch flying insects in mid-air and batter prey against a branch, but their tails and habitat preferences differ.
| Rufous-tailed Jacamar | Paradise Jacamar | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Galbula ruficauda | Galbula dea |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Tail length | Standard jacamar tail length | Unusually long tail streamers |
| Plumage | Iridescent green and copper, rufous belly | Mostly black with iridescent blue-green sheen |
| Abundance | Among the most common jacamar species | Less commonly encountered |
| Range | Mexico through much of South America | Amazon basin specifically |
| Forest level | Forest edge and lower levels | Upper canopy |
| Diet | Butterflies, dragonflies, flying insects | Butterflies, dragonflies, flying insects |
Rufous-tailed Jacamar vs Paradise Jacamar: common questions
Which jacamar has the more unusual tail?
The paradise jacamar does, carrying notably long, elegant tail streamers unlike the shorter tail typical of the rufous-tailed jacamar and most other jacamar species.
Which jacamar is more commonly encountered?
The rufous-tailed jacamar is, among the most common and widespread jacamar species, compared to the less frequently seen, canopy-dwelling paradise jacamar.
Where in the forest do these two jacamars live?
The rufous-tailed jacamar favors forest edge and lower levels, while the paradise jacamar sticks mainly to the upper canopy of Amazon basin rainforest.