Galbula tombacea
The White-chinned Jacamar (Galbula tombacea) is a dazzling gem of the Neotropical rainforests, captivating observers with its iridescent plumage and specialized aerial hunting skills. Measuring typically 21-25 cm (8.3-9.8 in) in length, including its remarkably long tail, and weighing 18-32 grams (0.63-1.13 oz), this slender bird boasts a striking appearance. Its upperparts shimmer with brilliant metallic green, contrasting sharply with its coppery-rufous belly and breast, while a prominent w...
Found in lowland tropical and subtropical moist forests, particularly along forest edges, in secondary growth, and near riparian zones, typically below 1000 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects such as butterflies, moths, dragonflies, beetles, flies, and wasps, caught via aerial pursuit (sallying).
White-chinned Jacamars are diurnal, often observed perching silently and solitarily, or in pairs, on exposed branches within their forest habitat. They are classic 'sit-and-wait' predators, employing a hawking or sallying foraging technique where they launch from their perch to snatch flying inse...
The White-chinned Jacamar is a non-migratory resident species found exclusively in northern South America, with a broad distribution primarily across the Amazon Basin. Its range extends from northern Colombia and Venezuela, eastward through the Guianas, and south across eastern Ecuador, eastern P...
Least Concern
- The White-chinned Jacamar's long, straight bill is perfectly adapted for precisely capturing fast-moving insects in mid-flight, acting like a specialized pair of aerial tweezers. - Despite their vibrant appearance, Jacamars are remarkably camouflaged when perched motionless in dappled sunlight,...