Galbulines

Galbulines are a group of tropical American birds belonging to the family Galbulidae. They are commonly known as jacamars. These birds are characterized by their slender bodies, long pointed bills, and often iridescent plumage, which can display vibrant shades of green, blue, bronze, and chestnut. They are found in a variety of forested habitats, from humid lowland rainforests to drier woodland savannas, across Central and South America.

Jacamars are primarily insectivores, catching their prey in flight with quick, darting sallies from perches. They often exhibit a characteristic sallying behavior, similar to that of flycatchers, but with a more undulating flight pattern. Their diet consists mainly of flying insects such as butterflies, moths, and beetles. Some species may also consume spiders or small lizards.

The family Galbulidae is divided into two subfamilies: Galbulinae, containing the true jacamars, and Bucconinae, which includes puffbirds. However, recent taxonomic studies sometimes place puffbirds in their own distinct family, Bucconidae, which would then make Galbulidae solely composed of the true jacamars. The number of species within the family varies depending on the taxonomic classification used, but it generally includes around 5 to 7 genera and 18 to 20 species. Their breeding habits are not extensively studied for all species, but they are known to be cavity nesters, often excavating tunnels in earth banks or tree trunks.