Jacamar is a common name for about 18 species of birds of the family Galbulidae of the order Piciformes, inhabiting South and Central America.
Jacamars range from 15.75 to 31 centimetres in length, their long, sharp bills accounting for up to a third of the total. The longest species, the paradise jacamar (Galbula dea), has a small body; its length is attributable to its long bill and elongated tail feathers. Most species are metallic greenish or bluish above and brown below.
Jacamars lay their eggs in holes drilled into earthen banks. Although most fly-catching birds have short broad bills, the long-billed jacamars are adept at snapping up flying insects. Research Jacamar
The puff-bird is a South American form related to the jacamar, which gets its English name from the puffy appearance of the soft feathers on the head. The usual colours are black, brown or rufous, with some white markings. The bill is short and stout, with a hooked tip. Research Puff-bird
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Jacamar
