The ringed kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is a large, conspicuous, and noisy kingfisher bird commonly found along the lower Rio Grande Valley in southeasternmost Texas in the United States through Central America to Tierra del Fuego in South America.

[4] Individuals themselves vary slightly as a result of variable environmental constraints and day-length regimes.

[11] Overall, the species appears much larger than its counterpart, while possessing a rufous belly, a massive bill, and a blue back.

[13] Ringed kingfishers are found in broad areas between Texas, USA and South America.

The ranges of ringed and belted kingfishers overlap from Central America and above for 6–8 months.

[13] Breeding ranges of ringed kingfishers vary in the Neotropics in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.

Large irrigation canals in Rio Grande, Texas, have been used as wintering grounds by such species.

[17] A mating ritual involves the male ringed kingfisher offering fish to the female before copulation.

[18] Female and male ringed kingfishers incubate their eggs while performing other duties equally.

Incubating birds are capable of finding prey by regurgitating their undigested food to attract flies in their burrows.

[20] Ringed kingfishers can perch for several hours on trees while watching for prey in fresh water.

[20] The ringed kingfisher's diet is largely dependent on fish, but they sometimes target crabs and other crustaceans.

Infected individuals were examined, with the species found in their lungs, tracheae, and coelomic cavities.

Increasing population trends indicate that the species is not vulnerable, as it is widespread and has a large habitat distribution and breeding ranges.