Belted Kingfisher

Overview

The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher native to North America. It is the only kingfisher species found in the majority of its range and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Stocky, medium-sized bird measuring 28–35 cm in length with a wingspan of 48–58 cm.
• Features a large head with a shaggy crest and a long, heavy black bill with a grey base.
• Plumage includes a slate blue head, large white collar, blue breast band, and white underparts; females and juveniles have a rufous band on the upper belly.
• Emits a characteristic rattling call while flying.

Habitat

Breeding habitat is located near inland bodies of water or coasts across most of North America, including Canada, the United States, and Alaska. The species migrates to southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies in winter, acting as a permanent resident in warmer areas where water does not freeze.

Diet

Primarily feeds on fish but also consumes amphibians, molluscs, small crustaceans, insects, small mammals, small birds, reptiles, and berries. It forages by perching on trees or posts before plunging headfirst into the water and may pound its prey against a perch or the ground to stun it.

Did you know?

Its burrow-like nests are often sloped uphill, which is believed to allow chicks to survive in an air pocket formed by the elevated end of the tunnel in case of flooding.