the ringed kingfisher (megaceryle torquata) is a large , conspicuous and noisy kingfisher , commonly found along the lower rio grande river valley in southeasternmost texas in the united states through central america to tierra del fuego in south america .
the breeding habitat is areas near large bodies of water , usually in heavily wooded areas where it finds a perch to hunt from .
it is mostly a sedentary species , remaining in territories all year long .
it is 4041 cm long , with deep blue or bluish-gray plumage with white markings , a shaggy crest and a broad white collar around the neck .
its most distinguishing characteristic is the entire rufous belly , which also covers the entire breast of the male .
females are more colorful than the male (i .
e .
, reverse sexual dimorphism) and have a bluish-gray breast and a narrow white stripe separating the breast from the belly .
these birds nest in a horizontal tunnel made in a river bank or sand bank .
the female lays 3 to 6 eggs .
both parents excavate the tunnel , incubate the eggs and feed the young .
it is often seen perched prominently on trees , posts , or other suitable "watchpoints" close to water before plunging in head first after its fish prey .
they also eat small mammals , insects , small reptiles and berries .
their voice is a loud , penetrating rattle given on the wing and when perched .
