Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
Family Alcedinidae
Quick answer
A big-headed, shaggy-crested kingfisher of rivers, lakes and estuaries, usually announced by a dry rattling call as it flies away down the channel.
Quick facts
- Size
- Roughly 28–35 cm, noticeably front-heavy
- Habitat
- Rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries with clear water and perches
- Range
- Across North America; northern birds move south when water freezes
- Diet
- Small fish, crayfish, amphibians
- When to look
- Year-round where water remains open
- Family
- Alcedinidae
Identification
- Large shaggy crest and heavy dagger bill
- Blue-grey above, white collar, blue-grey chest band
- Female additionally has a rusty band across the belly — one of the few raptorial-looking birds where the female is more colourful
- Uneven, almost stalling flight low over water
Behaviour
Hunts from an exposed perch or by hovering, then plunge-diving. Excavates a long nesting burrow in an earth bank. Strongly territorial along a stretch of water.
Similar species
- Blue Jay
- Similar colour at a glance but slim-billed, with white wing patches and a very different shape.
Birding tips
- Walk river banks slowly and listen for the rattle — you'll usually hear it before you see it
- Find its favourite perch and wait there rather than following it downstream
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell males from females?
Females have an extra rusty belly band; males show only the blue-grey chest band.
Why does it keep flying ahead of me?
It is moving along its territory. Stay still at a known perch instead of following.
Have you seen this bird?
Record the sighting and it joins your life list.
Species information here is written by us. Your sightings, photos and notes stay yours, in your own journal.
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