White-eared Jacamar

Overview

The white-eared jacamar (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) is a species of bird in the family Galbulidae. It is found in the upper Amazon basin across parts of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Stouter than many jacamars with a more robust bill, measuring 18 to 21 cm in length.
• Almost entirely reddish-chestnut plumage with a bronzy gloss on the crown, wings, and tail.
• Distinctive large white ear coverts.
• Song described as a rising and accelerating trill, "trrreeeeeeerrrr-reeeerrr-reeerr-reerreerr...", accompanied by a loud "kyew" or "cue" call.

Habitat

Found in the upper Amazon basin from central Colombia south through eastern Ecuador to northeastern Peru, and east into western Brazil along the Solimões River. It inhabits terra firme and várzea forests, both primary and secondary, preferring edges such as around clearings and along waterways. The species ranges in elevation up to 500 m.

Diet

The white-eared jacamar preys on insects, particularly favouring Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. It forages by perching at mid- to upper canopy height, either singly or in small groups, and sallying out to capture its prey.

Did you know?

Nest cavities in Ecuador and Peru have been found in termite nests high in trees. Despite ongoing deforestation, its preference for successional and edge habitats suggests it has good survival prospects.