Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

In the belted kingfisher the female is more colourful than the male: besides the blue-grey breast band she has a rufous band across the upper belly. Like the common kingfisher it hunts by plunge-diving, usually dropping headfirst onto its prey from a prominent perch near the water.

Group
Waders & Waterbirds
Photos
1
Taken
2024

Profile: Belted Kingfisher

Family
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Size
28–35 cm
Wingspan
approx. 48–58 cm
Weight
approx. 110–180 g
Habitat
Rivers, lakes and coastal waters of North America with steep banks in which it digs its nesting burrow.
Diet
Mainly fish, plus amphibians, molluscs, small crustaceans and insects, among other prey.
When to see
In North America partly migratory, partly resident; in Europe only a very rare vagrant.

Learn more: Wikipedia