Jacamars
Jacamars
Galbulidae
The Jewel-like Insect Hunters: Jacamars (Galbulidae) are slender, iridescent birds found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Resembling tiny, metallic kingfishers, they dazzle with their shimmering green, copper, and bronze feathers. Despite their resemblance, they are more closely related to puffbirds and thrive as aerial insect hunters. Armed with long, needle-sharp bills, jacamars specialize in catching flying insects like butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles. They perch motionless on branches, waiting for the perfect moment to dart out and snatch prey midair with impressive precision. The Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) is one of the most common species, often seen along forest edges. Unlike many other tropical birds, jacamars are surprisingly quiet, communicating mostly with soft whistles. They nest in burrows dug into riverbanks or termite mounds, providing a well-hidden refuge for their chicks. Though not considered threatened, deforestation poses a risk to some jacamar species. Their reliance on undisturbed forest habitats makes them excellent indicators of ecosystem health, and their presence signals a thriving tropical landscape.