Blue-Winged Kookaburra
All About Coraciiformes and Bucerotiformes
From vibrant colors to giant beaks - Coraciiformes and Bucerotiformes are among the most extraordinary birds!
What Are Coraciiformes?
Coraciiformes are kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers, motmots, and todies. They are colorful birds that inhabit warm regions such as Africa, Asia, and Australia. Their feathers often shimmer in shades of blue, yellow, green, or turquoise, making them stand out from a distance. When they fly, their wings appear particularly vibrant and impressive. They primarily feed on insects and small reptiles. They enjoy perching on high branches to observe their prey from above.
Main Characteristics of Coraciiformes
1. They Have Colorful Plumage
Even parrots would be amazed! Most Coraciiformes are incredibly colorful, as if someone has splashed them with paint. The exceptions are a few birds like the laughing kookaburra and the blue-winged kookaburra.
2. They Thrive in Tropical Areas
Most Coraciiformes prefer warm climates. Only a few species, such as the European kingfisher and the European bee-eater, can be found in cooler regions.
3. Short Legs, Long Wings
Most Coraciiformes spend a lot of time sitting on slender branches, scanning for prey. They rarely walk or hop on the ground, which is why they don’t need long legs. Their long wings are ideal for taking off quickly and changing direction easily.
Coraciiformes Family Tree
Amazing Facts About Coraciiformes
- There are 186 species of coraciiformes birds.
- Coraciiformes means „raven-like“. The Latin word „corax“ means „raven“.
- Coraciiformes are often very colorful. Most of them live in tropical areas.
- They are divided into six families: kingfishers, ground rollers, rollers, bee-eaters, motmots, and todies.
- The most well-known are the common kingfisher and the bee-eater.
- Coraciiformes have long necks, big heads, long bills, small feet, and large wings.
- Coraciiformes are carnivores or insectivores.
- They bring their prey down by throwing it onto a surface.
- The largest coraciiformes is the laughing kookaburra, which measures 16-18.5 inches (41-47 cm) in length and can weigh up to 16 ounces (450 grams).
- The smallest coraciiformes is the African dwarf kingfisher, which is only 3.9 inches (10 cm) long and weighs between 0.32-0.42 ounces (9-12 grams).
What Are Bucerotiformes?
The Bucerotiformes were once classified under Coraciiformes but are now recognized as its own family. This group includes the hoopoes, woodhoopoes, hornbills, and ground hornbills. They possess long, strong beaks and most have a very loud, distinctive call.
Bucerotiformes Family Tree
Amazing Facts About Bucerotiformes
- There are around 75 species of Bucerotiformes.
- The most well-known is the hoopoe.
- The largest is the great hornbill, which measures 37-47 inches (95-120 cm) in length.
- The smallest is the dwarf hornbill, reaching only 12.5 inches (32 cm) in length.
