Biota

Exploring Nature

Section 7 — Rollers, Kingfishers & Woodpeckers

A colourful and mostly forest‑dwelling group that brings together several distinct but ecologically linked lineages. These include mousebirds, trogons, hornbills, rollers, kingfishers, jacamars, puffbirds, and woodpeckers. Many are strongly arboreal, specialising in forest or woodland habitats, and several groups show striking plumage, elaborate crests, or specialised feeding behaviours.

Despite their diversity, these orders share a broad ecological theme: life in trees, whether for hunting, nesting, or foraging. From the iridescent trogons of the tropics to the chiselling woodpeckers of temperate forests, this section highlights some of the most visually distinctive birds in my list.

Orders included:

  • Order: Coliiformes (Mousebirds)
  • Order: Leptosomiformes (Cuckoo‑roller)
  • Order: Trogoniformes (Trogons)
  • Order: Bucerotiformes (Hornbills & Hoopoes)
  • Order: Coraciiformes (Rollers, Kingfishers, Bee‑eaters & Motmots)
  • Order: Galbuliformes (Jacamars & Puffbirds)
  • Order: Piciformes (Woodpeckers, Toucans, Barbets)

Species I’ve Seen in This Section

Listed below by Order, Family, and species, with notes on where and when each was recorded.

Order: Trogoniformes

Trogons and Quetzals
Colourful forest birds known for their bright plumage, soft calls, and calm, still perching habits. They live mainly in tropical woodlands, nesting in tree cavities and feeding on insects and fruit. Quetzals are the most famous members, recognised for their vivid blues, greens and reds and flowing tail feathers.

Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno)
— Costa Rica 2015

Families recorded: expand each to view species.

Family: Trogonidae (Trogons) – 12
  1. Red-headed Trogon (Harpactes erythrocephalus) — Bhutan & India 2020
  2. Ward’s Trogon (Harpactes wardi) — Bhutan & India 2020
  3. Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) — Costa Rica 2015
  4. Baird’s Trogon (Trogon bairdii) — Costa Rica 2015
  5. Gartered Violaceous Trogon (Trogon caligatus) — Costa Rica 2015
  6. Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris) — Trinidad & Tobago 2019
  7. Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena) — Costa Rica 2015
  8. Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus) — Costa Rica 2015
  9. Green-backed Trogon (Trogon melanurus) — Trinidad & Tobago 2019
  10. Black-throated Trogon (Trogon rufus) — Costa Rica 2015
  11. Guianan Trogon (Trogon violaceus) — Trinidad & Tobago 2019
  12. Green-backed Trogon (Trogon viridis) — Amazon 2024

Order: Bucerotiformes

Hornbills and Hoopoes
These are distinctive birds of Africa and Asia, known for their bold shapes and striking bills. Hornbills have large, curved bills—often with a casque on top—and are active fruit‑eaters and hunters in forests and savannas. Hoopoes and wood‑hoopoes are slimmer, ground‑foraging or tree‑climbing species recognised by their crests, long bills, and lively calls.

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
— Spain 2016

Families recorded: expand each to view species.

Family: Bucerotidae (Hornbills) – 2
  1. Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis) — Bhutan & India 2020
  2. Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) — Bhutan & India 2020
Family: Upupidae (Hoopoes) – 1
  1. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) — Spain 2016; Bhutan & India 2020; Slovenia 2024

Order: Coraciiformes

Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Rollers & Motmots
This group is known for its stunning colors and sharp, powerful bills. Most are “sit-and-wait” hunters that perch on high branches, watching for a movement before diving to catch insects, lizards, or fish. They are famous for nesting in tunnels they dig into dirt banks or hollow trees, and many species have unique, long tail feathers.

Trinidad Motmot (Momotus bahamensis)
— Tobago 2019

Families recorded: expand each to view species.

Family: Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) – 10
  1. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) — Spain 2016; Bhutan & India 2020
  2. American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) — Costa Rica 2015; Trinidad & Tobago 2019; Amazon 2024
  3. Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) — Costa Rica 2015; Amazon 2024
  4. Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) — Costa Rica 2015; Trinidad & Tobago 2019; Texas 2024; Amazon 2024
  5. Green-and-rufous Kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda) — Costa Rica 2015; Amazon 2024
  6. White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) — Bhutan & India 2020
  7. Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) — Costa Rica 2015; Yellowstone 2017; Texas 2024
  8. Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris) — Bhutan & India 2020
  9. Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) — Costa Rica 2015; Trinidad & Tobago 2019; Texas 2024; Amazon 2024
  10. Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) — New Zealand 2023
Family: Meropidae (Bee-eaters) – 4
  1. European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) — Spain 2016
  2. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) — Bhutan & India 2020
  3. Asian Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis ssp. ferrugeiceps) — Bhutan & India 2020
  4. Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni) — Bhutan & India 2020
Family: Coraciidae (Rollers) – 2
  1. Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) — Bhutan & India 2020
  2. European Roller (Coracias garrulus) — Spain 2016
Family: Momotidae (Motmots) – 5
  1. Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii) — Costa Rica 2015
  2. Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum) — Costa Rica 2015
  3. Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa) — Costa Rica 2015
  4. Trinidad Motmot (Momotus bahamensis) — Trinidad & Tobago 2019
  5. Lesson’s Motmot (Blue-crowned Motmot) (Momotus lessonii) — Costa Rica 2015

Order: Galbuliformes

Jacamars & Puffbirds
Found in the tropical forests of the Americas, these birds are known for their striking bills and specialized hunting styles. Jacamars are slender, metallic-colored birds that snatch butterflies and bees mid-air, while the stockier puffbirds sit motionlessly for long periods before pouncing on insects or lizards. Both groups are unique for nesting in holes they dig into the ground or termite mounds.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) — Tobago 2019

Families recorded: expand each to view species.

Family: Galbulidae (Jacamars) – 4
  1. Paradise Jacamar (Galbula dea) — Amazon 2024
  2. Green-tailed Jacamar (Galbula galbula) — Amazon 2024
  3. Bronzy Jacamar (Galbula leucogastra) — Amazon 2024
  4. Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) — Costa Rica 2015; Trinidad & Tobago 2019
Family: Bucconidae (Puffbirds) – 10
  1. Spotted Puffbird (Bucco tamatia) — Amazon 2024
  2. Swallow-winged Puffbird (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) — Amazon 2024
  3. White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis) — Costa Rica 2015
  4. Black Nunbird (Monasa atra) — Amazon 2024
  5. White-fronted Nunbird (Monasa flavirostris) — Amazon 2024
  6. Black-fronted Nunbird (Monasa nigrifrons) — Amazon 2024
  7. White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) — Costa Rica 2015
  8. Guianan Puffbird (Notharchus macrorhynchos) — Amazon 2024
  9. Brown-banded Puffbird (Notharchus ordii) — Amazon 2024
  10. Pied Puffbird (Notharchus tectus) — Amazon 2024

Order: Piciformes

Woodpeckers, Toucans, and Barbets
These birds are masters of the trees. Most have specialized feet with two toes facing forward and two facing backward, giving them a rock-solid grip on vertical trunks. Whether they are drumming on wood to find insects or using massive bills to reach tropical fruit, they are easily recognized by their unique shapes and bold patterns.

Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
— Tobago 2019

Families recorded: expand each to view species.

Family: Capitonidae (New World Barbets) – 1
  1. Black-spotted Barbet (Capito niger) — Amazon 2024
Family: Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets) – 5
  1. Blue-throated Barbet (Psilopogon cyanofrons) — Bhutan & India 2020
  2. Golden-throated Barbet (Psilopogon franklinii) — Bhutan & India 2020
  3. Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) — Bhutan & India 2020
  4. Lineated Barbet (Psilopogon lineatus) — Bhutan & India 2020
  5. Great Barbet (Psilopogon virens) — Bhutan & India 2020
Family: Ramphastidae (Toucans) – 8
  1. Blue-throated Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus ssp. caeruleogularis — Costa Rica 2015
  2. Black-necked Aracari (Pteroglossus aracari) — Amazon 2024
  3. Fiery-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus frantzii) — Costa Rica 2015
  4. Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) — Costa Rica 2015
  5. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) — Costa Rica 2015
  6. Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) — Costa Rica 2015
  7. White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus) — Amazon 2024
  8. Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus) — Trinidad & Tobago 2019; Amazon 2024
Family: Indicatoridae (Honeyguides) – 1
  1. Yellow-rumped Honeyguide (Indicator xanthonotus) — Bhutan & India 2020
Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) – 44
  1. Bay Woodpecker (Blythipicus pyrrhotis) — Bhutan & India 2020
  2. Pale-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis) — Costa Rica 2015
  3. Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) — Antarctica 2021
  4. Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos) — Amazon 2024
  5. Chestnut-colored Woodpecker (Celeus castaneus) — Costa Rica 2015
  6. Ringed Woodpecker (Celeus torquatus) — Amazon 2024
  7. Waved Woodpecker (Celeus undatus) — Amazon 2024
  8. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) — Yellowstone 2017
  9. Green-barred Woodpecker (Colaptes melanochloros) — Buenos Aires 2021
  10. Spot-breasted Woodpecker (Colaptes punctigula) — Amazon 2024
  11. Golden-olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus) — Costa Rica 2015; Trinidad & Tobago 2019
  12. White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) — Norway & Finland 2018
  13. Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei) — Bhutan & India 2020
  14. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) — Various – common UK bird; Norway & Finland 2018; Slovenia 2024
  15. Crimson-breasted Woodpecker (Dryobates cathpharius) — Bhutan & India 2020
  16. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor) — Slovenia 2024
  17. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) — Texas 2024
  18. Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris) — Texas 2024
  19. Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) — Yellowstone 2017
  20. Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) — Costa Rica 2015; Trinidad & Tobago 2019; Amazon 2024
  21. Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) — Norway & Finland 2018; Slovenia 2024
  22. Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla) — Norway & Finland 2018; Slovenia 2024
  23. Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) — Texas 2024
  24. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) — Texas 2024
  25. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cruentatus) — Amazon 2024
  26. Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) — Costa Rica 2015
  27. Hoffmann’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes hoffmannii) — Costa Rica 2015
  28. Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani) — Costa Rica 2015
  29. Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus) — Costa Rica 2015; Trinidad & Tobago 2019
  30. Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) — Norway & Finland 2018
  31. Yellow-throated Woodpecker (Piculus flavigula) — Amazon 2024
  32. Rufous-winged Woodpecker (Piculus simplex) — Costa Rica 2015
  33. Golden-spangled Piculet (Picumnus exilis) — Amazon 2024
  34. Speckled Piculet (Picumnus innominatus) — Bhutan & India 2020
  35. Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) — Norway & Finland 2018; Bhutan & India 2020
  36. Lesser Yellownape (Picus chlorolophus) — Bhutan & India 2020
  37. Greater Yellownape (Picus flavinucha) — Bhutan & India 2020
  38. White-browed Piculet (Sasia ochracea) — Bhutan & India 2020
  39. Rufous-bellied Woodpecker (Sphyrapicus hyperythrus) — Bhutan & India 2020
  40. Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) — Yellowstone 2017
  41. Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) — Yellowstone 2017
  42. Golden-collared Woodpecker (Veniliornis cassini) — Amazon 2024
  43. Checkered Woodpecker (Veniliornis mixtus) — Buenos Aires 2021
  44. Little Woodpecker (Veniliornis passerinus) — Amazon 2024