Why these iridescent tropical birds hunt like aerial acrobats in the forest canopy

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Jacamars are elegant, glossy birds of the Neotropics that defy typical insectivore anatomy. While most aerial hunters possess short, wide bills, these birds wield long, thin instruments to snatch butterflies and moths mid-flight. Their unique evolutionary path and nesting habits reveal a fascinating, if understudied, corner of avian biology.

The Galbulidae family consists of 18 species of small to medium-sized birds found across South and Central America, extending as far north as Mexico. These birds are primarily inhabitants of low-altitude woodlands, where they favor the forest edge and canopy. Physically, they are striking, often displaying bright, iridescent plumage in shades of blue, green, or bronze. Their bodies are tapered, typically ending in long, graduated tails, though some species possess square-shaped tails. Despite their beauty, their legs are notably short and weak, equipped with zygodactyl feet—a configuration featuring two forward-pointing and two backward-pointing toes.

The hunting strategy of the jacamar is distinct among aerial insectivores. Most species sit patiently on perches, tilting their long, sharp bills upward, before sallying out to capture prey with an audible snap. They frequently target butterflies and dragonflies, often pounding their catch against a branch before consumption. The great jacamar is a notable exception to this behavior, as it tends to glean prey and occasionally consumes small lizards or spiders. This specialized hunting style is supported by a body length ranging from 14 to 34 cm and a weight between 17 and 75 grams.

Reproductive habits remain somewhat mysterious, though most are believed to be monogamous, with some species occasionally engaging in cooperative breeding. Unlike many other birds, they nest in holes, either within arboreal termite mounds or in the soil of riverbanks and fallen tree roots. A unique trait among the Piciformes order is that jacamar chicks are born with down feathers. While incubation details for most species are sparse, the rufous-tailed jacamar—the most common species—typically incubates its eggs for 19 to 26 days. Both parents share these duties, reflecting a complex social structure that continues to intrigue ornithologists.

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