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ExploreBirds

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

The Belted Kingfisher is a magnificent bird with a striking blue and white coloration. It loves to dive from perches into water to catch fish for its meals.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Belted Kingfisher has a shaggy crest and striking blue-gray plumage on its back and head. Its white belly features a broad, rusty band in females and a single blue-gray band in males, making them easy to differentiate. They possess a long, sturdy, dagger-like bill.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCoraciiformesFamilyAlcedinidaeGenusMegaceryle
Belted Kingfisher
wildlife trait badgefeathered trait badgeaerial trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
Belted Kingfisher

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

40

Interesting facts

Kingfisher chicks are born naked and blind inside their dark, underground tunnels.

Their strong, spiky crest feathers can be raised and lowered, showing how they feel!

These birds fly with a distinctive undulating, wavy pattern across the water!

They often whack larger fish against a branch multiple times before swallowing them whole!

Special abilities

Ability

Precision Diver

Belted Kingfishers can plunge headfirst from heights into water, using their strong, pointed beak to snatch fish.

Ability

Burrow Engineer

These birds dig long nesting tunnels, sometimes over six feet deep, into earthen banks using their bill and feet.

Ability

Acrobatic Hunter

The Belted Kingfisher can hover in mid-air above water, allowing it to precisely target fish before a rapid dive.

Measurements & details

Length
28-35 cm
Wingspan
48-58 cm
Weight
0.14-0.17 kg
Lifespan
3-8 years
Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
5-8
Incubation
22-24 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

Mainly eats fish, but also enjoys insects and small aquatic creatures.

Age differences: Young chicks are fed regurgitated, partially digested fish by their parents.

Primary Foods

  • small fish
  • crayfish
  • aquatic insects
  • frogs
  • lizards

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

American Kingfisher

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching Belted Kingfishers from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Belted Kingfisher?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Belted Kingfisher?

28-35 cm

What is Belted Kingfisher's wingspan?

48-58 cm

How much does Belted Kingfisher weigh?

0.14-0.17 kg

How long does Belted Kingfisher live?

3-8 years

How fast can Belted Kingfisher move?

45 km/h

What does Belted Kingfisher eat?

Mainly eats fish, but also enjoys insects and small aquatic creatures.

Where is Belted Kingfisher usually found?

Coastal areas

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