Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata), Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond State Parks, Graham County

This Ringed Kingfisher was found and photographed by Kelly Wright on 04 October 2018 at Roper Lake and photographed again by Kelly on 11 October 2018 at Dankworth Pond and on 20 November 2018 at Roper Lake, and was also photographed by Gary Rosenberg on 12 October 2018 at Roper Lake.

If accepted this would be the first record for the state. Not known from adjacent states. Primarily a tropical species which occurs on the Pacific Coast of Mexico as far north as southern Sinaloa. On the east coast occurs north to south-central Texas. Vagrants have occured in Louisiana, western Florida, and Oklahoma. This species has expanded its range in Texas.

Distinctive when seen well. Though Belted Kingfisher can show extensive rufous flanks the first set of photos show rufous onto the undertail coverts which should be white in Belted. On the second and third set of photos the extensive rufous underparts (including the undertail coverts) and massive bill clearly identify it as a Ringed Kingfisher. The white specks to the upperparts and rufous tinge to the blue breast mean it is an immature in its first cycle. The rufous underwing coverts identify this as a female (males have white underwing coverts); the white breast band indicates female as well, but may not be reliable in immatures.

04 October 2018, photo by Kelly Wright

11 October 2018, photo by Kelly Wright

 

12 October 2018, photo by Gary Rosenberg

 

20 November 2018, photo by Kelly Wright

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