Common Kingfisher
Image: <div class="fn value"> <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kookaburra_81" title="User:Kookaburra 81">Pierre Dalous</a></div> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameCommon Kingfisher
Common NameCommon Kingfisher
Scientific NameAlcedo atthis
FamilyAlcedinidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsThe plumage features brilliant metallic blue-green on the crown, back, and wings, contrasting with rufous-orange underparts. It has a white throat patch and a small white patch on the side of the neck. The bill is long, dagger-like, and black, while the legs and feet are reddish-orange.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, high-pitched, sharp 'chee-kee' or 'chick' sound, often given in flight as it darts rapidly along waterways.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsrivers, canals, lakes, ponds, ditches, estuaries, wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Eurasia and North Africa, from Ireland and Spain in the west to Japan and Southeast Asia in the east, and south to parts of North Africa.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent blue-green upperparts, Rufous-orange underparts, Long, pointed black bill, White throat patch, Short tail, Rapid, direct flight
Description
The Common Kingfisher is a small, brightly colored bird known for its iridescent blue-green upperparts and rufous underparts. It is typically found near clear, slow-moving water, where it perches patiently before diving headfirst to catch small fish and aquatic invertebrates.
