Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

33 cm (13") Common throughout North America. The only kingfisher north of Texas and Arizona. Rivers, streams, lakeshores, coastal bays.

Large-headed bushy crested fishing bird.

Male: blue-gray above; broad blue-gray breast band; white throat and collar; white belly.

Female: more colourful than male; blue-gray above; broad blue-gray breast band; white throat and collar; rust-colored belly band and sides.

In flight; often hovers above water and plunges head first for fish.

Nest is in an excavated tunnel dug out of a steep sand bank which may be far from water.

Song: loud squirrel-like rattle often given in flight.

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Distribution Maps

Belted Kingfisher distribution map
Belted Kingfisher distribution map
Belted Kingfisher winter distribution map
Belted Kingfisher winter distribution map