Belted Kingfisher

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.

Videos

Images

Credit: Kelly Colgan Azar

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Larry Bond

Distribution Maps

Belted Kingfisher distribution map

Belted Kingfisher winter distribution map