Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis
River kingfishers (Alcedinidae)

♂

© Copyright : Gert Gelmers

Metallic blue marked back and head with orange breast and belly. Look for a white orange marking next to the eye. Long sturdy beak, red legs and a short tail. ♂ and ♀ almost identical, female has an orange marking on lower beak. 

Always close to the water on the lookout for fish.  If there is nothing to perch on it hovers until it dives for prey. Prey also includes insects on the water. Prefers slow-flowing streams with sandy banks where it can build its nest.

⇔ l. 16-17 cm

There are 7 subspecies each with specific regional colour variations.

Where?

Family(3)

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Size

Shape

Colour

Legs

Beak

Neck

Tail

Habitat