Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
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Alcedo atthis
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Mass
~30 g
Habitat
Rivers and streams
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Common Kingfisher is a small river specialist with a vivid, almost glowing presence. Up close it looks more subdued than it does in motion, but the compact body, big head and short wings make its shape feel quick and unmistakable.
It keeps to itself and is easy to miss because it prefers quiet, sheltered spots above water. Most of the time it waits motionless on a perch, scans below, then drops in a sudden dive, and its call is a short, sharp, repeated whistle.
Look for it by clear streams, slow rivers and lakes with overgrown banks. It feeds mainly on small fish, with aquatic insects, crustaceans and tadpoles as occasional extras; in milder places it stays year-round, while populations from freezing rivers move away for winter.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Common Kingfisher is a small river specialist with a vivid, almost glowing presence. Up close it looks more subdued than it does in motion, but the compact body, big head and short wings make its shape feel quick and unmistakable.
It keeps to itself and is easy to miss because it prefers quiet, sheltered spots above water. Most of the time it waits motionless on a perch, scans below, then drops in a sudden dive, and its call is a short, sharp, repeated whistle.
Look for it by clear streams, slow rivers and lakes with overgrown banks. It feeds mainly on small fish, with aquatic insects, crustaceans and tadpoles as occasional extras; in milder places it stays year-round, while populations from freezing rivers move away for winter.
How to recognize it
Sources
- eBird — Alcedo atthis Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Common kingfisher Encyclopedia article