Toucan Ridge Bird Observatory

Banded last week at the station: an American pygmy kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea). Females show a green breast band; males have a uniform orange breast.

These tiny water kingfishers have very short legs, so we used a modified version of the banders’ grips for safe handling and photos.

It uses its long, pointed bill is perfectly adapted for spearing tiny fish, aquatic insects and crustaceans from low perches, often seen at the swimming holes and streams.

We seem to catch quite a few each banding season but always a treat!