How to identify the Rufous-tailed Jacamar

To correctly identify the Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

23-28 cm (9-11 inches)

Wingspan

25-30 cm (10-12 inches)

Weight

25-35 g (0.9-1.2 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have iridescent metallic greenish-bronze upperparts, a rufous (reddish-brown) belly, and a distinctive rufous tail. The throat is emerald green for males and buff to whitish for females. There is a prominent dark mask across the eye and a white malar stripe. The breast band is metallic green.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, thin, straight and pointed, black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Its long, pointed black bill, iridescent green and rufous plumage, and long, graduated rufous tail are key features. The white malar stripe and dark eye mask are also very noticeable.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall than adults, with less intense iridescence and a shorter, brownish tail. They may have a duller throat patch that is not distinctly green or buff.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes are observed.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males have an iridescent emerald green throat, while females typically have a buff to whitish throat. Otherwise, sexes are similar.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. Look for the metallic green upperparts, rich rufous belly, and, critically, the rufous tail. Males have an emerald green throat, females a buff/whitish throat.
• Bill Shape. The exceptionally long, thin, and pointed black bill is unmistakable among birds in its range.
• Perching Style. Often perches upright and motionless on exposed branches, typically at eye level or slightly above, in open forest understory or at edges.
• Flight Pattern. Observing its characteristic sallying flight from a perch to catch insects and return is a good identification clue.
• Song. Learn its distinctive, accelerating, high-pitched trill, which often draws attention before the bird is seen.

Explore the Rufous-tailed Jacamar