Scientific Name:
Megaceryle alcyon
Description
The Belted Kingfisher is a large conspicuous bird, with a hefty pointed bill, shaggy crest, and top heavy physique. Males are a powdery blue-gray with a blue band across the white breast, while females have a blue and chestnut band.
Behaviors
Belted Kingfishers spend much of their time perched alone along the shoreline (or streams, lakes and estuaries) searching for small fish. They give loud rattling calls and hunt by either plunging directly from a perch, or by hovering over the water before diving for fish they have spotted.
Fun Facts
Belted Kingfishers are unusual among birds as females are more colorful than males.
They nest in burrows that they dig into soft earthen banks near the water.
Nature Topics
Photo by Susan Lambert.
Photo by John Drum.
