Rufous-tailed Jacamar
The Rufous-tailed Jacamar is a striking bird known for its vibrant plumage and agile hunting skills. In Costa Rica, this species is a delightful find for birdwatchers, often seen perched quietly before darting out to catch flying insects mid-air.(Animalia)
Galbula ruficauda
Scientific Name
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
Family
Galbuliformes
Order
Six recognized subspecies, including G. r. melanogenia
Subspecies. Costa Rica
Range and Habitat of Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Geographic Range
The Rufous-tailed Jacamar is distributed from southern Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina. In Costa Rica, it is commonly found in lowland and foothill regions.
Migratory Patterns
This species is non-migratory, residing year-round within its range.
Preferred Habitat
Prefers forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, and areas near water bodies. Often found in shrubby forest edges, gallery forests, and thickets. (Oiseaux Birds)
Altitude Range
Typically found from sea level up to 900 meters; occasionally observed at higher elevations.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, the Rufous-tailed Jacamar inhabits both humid second-growth and primary rainforests, from sea level up to about 900 meters. Notable locations include Carara National Park, La Selva Biological Station, and the Sarapiquí region. (ResearchGate, Alamy)
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Currently classified as Least Concern, though populations are experiencing a moderate decline.
Habitat loss due to deforestation and human development.
Conservation efforts
Protected areas in Costa Rica, such as national parks and biological reserves, provide crucial habitats for this species.
Primary Threats
Habitat loss due to deforestation and human development.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM), Late Morning (8 AM - 11 AM), Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM)
Size
Length: Approximately 25 cm (10 inches) Weight: Around 25–30 grams
Plumage
Metallic green upperparts with a rufous-chestnut belly and undertail. The male has a white throat, while the female’s throat is buff-colored
Distinctive Features
Long, straight black bill; elongated rufous tail; iridescent green plumage.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have a white throat, whereas females display a buff-colored throat.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Insectivorous, feeding on flying insects such as butterflies, dragonflies, wasps, and bees.
Foraging Techniques
- Hunts from a perch, sallying out to catch prey mid-air. Often returns to the same perch after each catch.
Feeding Times
- Primarily diurnal, with peak activity during morning and late afternoon.
Behavior Patterns
Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Social Structure
Typically observed alone or in pairs.
Song and Vocalization
Emits a sharp, high-pitched “peeup” call, repeated several times. Also produces a rapid trill.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Males may feed females during courtship. Both sexes participate in nest excavation.
Territoriality
Territorial during breeding season, defending nesting sites from intruders.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Rufous-tailed Jacamar
In Costa Rica, prime locations include Carara National Park, La Selva Biological Station, and the Sarapiquí region
Best Time of the Year
Year-round, with increased visibility during the dry season (December to April).
Common Behavior
Look for individuals perched quietly along forest edges or near water bodies, often at mid-level heights.
Recommended Gear
Binoculars with good resolution, a camera with a zoom lens, and a field guide for identification.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
In Costa Rica and much of Central America, breeding occurs during the dry to early wet season—generally between February and June.
Nesting Sites
Rufous-tailed Jacamars excavate burrows for nesting, often on earth banks, road cuts, termite mounds, or rotten tree trunks. The tunnels can reach 20 to 50 cm in length, ending in a nesting chamber.
Clutch Size
They typically lay 2 to 4 white eggs per breeding attempt. The eggs may sometimes show faint rufous or brown spotting.
Incubation Period
Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs. The incubation period lasts 19 to 23 days, after which chicks hatch blind and featherless.
Parental Care
Both parents are involved in feeding and protecting the chicks. They bring back insects—often with wings or stingers removed—to feed the young. The chicks fledge approximately 21 to 25 days after hatching but may continue to be fed for a short period after leaving the nest.
Did You Know?
Rufous-tailed Jacamar is a smart eater
Studies show they can tell edible from unpalatable butterflies by their body shape
Year-round pair bonding
These birds stay in pairs year-round; during courtship, the male brings insects (often with wings removed) and performs a tail-fanning display while singing softly
How can you tell a male from a female
Males have a white throat, females a buff throat and slightly paler underparts. Some subspecies differ: e.g. G. r. brevirostris has a shorter bill, and G. r. pallens shows a copper back in both sexes
Where is best to spot Rufous-tailed Jacamar?
Look along forest edges, streams, river banks, second growth or scrub up to 900 m elevation. They perch exposed 1–3 m above ground before sallying out for insects