Kingfishers Alcedinidae
The family consists of 17 genera. Of the 92 species, the Tuamotu Kingfisher Todiramphus gambieri is critically endangered and the Marquesan Kingfisher Todiramphus godeffroyi is endangered. Another 12 species are vulnerable and 12 more are near-threatened. Members of this family are found on every continent, except Antarctica.

Dacelo

There are 4 members in the genus.

One of the most familiar of all Australian birds, the Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae is one of the largest kingfishers in the world. Their large bills enable them to catch and eat snakes up to one meter long. They are perhaps best known for their distinct raucous laughter. This adult Laughing Kookaburra was photographed at Audley, Royal National Park, New South Wales, Australia.





Chloroceryle

There are 4 members in this genus.

A rare straggler to extreme southeastern Arizona, and uncommon resident to southern Texas. The Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana is more typically found from Mexico, south to northern Chile and Argentina. They have a dry "ticking" alarm call, similar to that of tapping two pebbles together. This female was photographed along the San Pedro River, near Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA.





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