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.