The Ringed Kingfisher, is a prominent member of the kingfisher family, renowned for its considerable size and distinctive appearance. This species, which is part of the Coraciiformes order, is related to the Belted Kingfisher but is notably larger. It displays a striking rufous belly, a massive bill, and a blue back​​. In terms of physical characteristics, both male and female Ringed Kingfishers have similar size dimensions. Adult males have wings that range from about 7.28 to 8.31 inches, tails measuring 4.33 to 5.08 inches, and bills between 2.95 and 3.70 inches. Females have slightly different measurements, with wings spanning 7.28 to 8.26 inches, tails from 4.39 to 5.20 inches, and bills measuring 2.99 to 3.58 inches. Individuals of this species typically weigh between 10.8 and 12.0 ounces, showing no significant sexual dimorphism in size​​​​. The Ringed Kingfisher is distinguishable by its dark-brown irises, present in all age groups, and straight bills that are longer than their heads. They have curved culmens and tomial serrations, with the lower mandible showing some yellowish coloration. Their feet are syndactyl, featuring olive-green or yellowish toes and black claws. A prominent crest is present between the base of their bills and necks, and some individuals display a white collar around the neck​​. Their wings comprise 10 primary wings, 15 secondaries, three tertials, and 12 rectrices, which are rounded, and the tail is squared. The species is found across a range of habitats, from southern Texas and Mexico to Central and South America, with subspecies showing slight differences in plumage due to environmental variations​​. Sexual dimorphism in the Ringed Kingfisher is evident through coloration. Males exhibit rusty-brown underparts with white undertail coverts and a white throat. In contrast, females display a bluish-gray band on the upper breast and a whitish band​​. The breeding behavior involves clutches typically containing three to six eggs, incubated for about 22 days​​. The species thrives in various habitats, including rivers, large streams, and ponds, where it builds its nests in banks. In Texas, it is commonly found along the Rio Grande and in areas where tall trees and brush border the river. It has also been increasingly observed in ponds and streams in other parts of southern Texas. In tropical regions, it is found near almost any body of fresh water in lowlands and mangrove swamps on the coast​​. Feeding mainly on fish, especially those ranging from 2 to 6 inches in length, the Ringed Kingfisher adopts a unique hunting method. It typically perches high, usually 15 to 35 feet above the water, and watches for prey. Upon spotting a fish or other prey close to the surface, it dives headfirst, catching the fish in its bill. This kingfisher seldom hovers over the water before diving, differentiating its hunting technique from other kingfishers​​​​​​. Nesting behaviors vary geographically. In tropical areas, the species sometimes nests in loose colonies in large dirt banks, which are not always near water. In contrast, in the United States, it nests only as isolated pairs. The nest site is typically in a burrow excavated in steep or vertical dirt banks, with both sexes contributing to the digging. The burrow may be 5 to 8 feet long, ending in an enlarged nest chamber where debris may accumulate​​. Ringed Kingfishers are generally permanent residents throughout their range, although individual birds may wander widely​​. The species is evaluated as Least Concern due to its extremely large range and stable population trend, with an estimated population size of 20,000,000 individuals​​.