ExploreBird

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

The Common Kingfisher is a bright and colorful bird that loves to catch fish. With its sparkling blue and orange feathers, it's a beautiful sight near rivers and lakes.

Habitat: Near rivers, lakes, and ponds

Appearance

The Common Kingfisher is a small, stocky bird with an iridescent cobalt blue back and bright orange-rust underparts. It has a striking white throat patch and a long, dagger-like black bill. Its vivid plumage makes it instantly recognizable along waterways.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCoraciiformesFamilyAlcedinidaeGenusAlcedo

Common Kingfisher

Interesting facts

Kingfishers swallow fish head-first to avoid painful fin-spikes!

Parents can raise up to three families of chicks in just one summer!

Some kingfishers eat up to 60% of their own body weight in fish daily!

Their dazzling blue feathers get their color from light, not blue pigment!

Special abilities

Common Kingfisher has special eyes that can switch focus instantly, helping them see clearly in both air and water.

Common Kingfisher can dive head-first into water at high speed to catch fish, thanks to its streamlined body.

Common Kingfisher has a long, pointed bill that helps it pierce and securely hold slippery fish underwater.

Common Kingfisher can dig long tunnels into riverbanks for nesting, keeping their eggs safe from predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 16-17 cm
Wingspan: 24-26 cm
Weight: 0.025-0.04 kg
Lifespan: 7-8 years
Top Speed: 45 km/h
Clutch Size: 6-7
Incubation: 19-21 days
Migration Distance: 1000 km

Diet & Feeding

A speedy hunter that dives for small fish and aquatic insects in clear freshwater.

Primary Foods

minnows
sticklebacks
gudgeon
roach
aquatic insects

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Minnow

Phoxinus phoxinus

It dives to catch these small fish from clear water.

hunts

Three-spined Stickleback

Gasterosteus aculeatus

A common tiny fish prey item.

eaten by

Grass Snake

Natrix natrix

May raid nests for eggs or chicks.

eaten by

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Can find and eat eggs or young in nest tunnels.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.