Galbulidae – Jacamars
These agile hunters can catch butterflies and dragonflies mid-flight
The jacamars are a family of iridescent birds found in the Neotropical region. They are characterized by their long, thin bills and long tails, resembling the non-passerine bee-eaters.
They are insectivorous, often specializing in butterflies and moths. They are primarily sit-and-wait predators in the canopies of woodlands and forest edges that catch their prey mid-flight. They have the remarkable ability to memorize unpalatable prey and distinguish between unpalatable models and their palatable mimics.
These birds are monogamous. They build nests in the form of burrows, which house 2-4 eggs per clutch. Both parents participate in parental care; sometimes, older offsprings act as helpers.
Genera in this family
These clever birds aren’t fooled by mimicry attempted by harmless prey
