The Kingfisher Family
(Alcedinidae)

Order: The Rollers (Coraciiformes)

Kingfishers are very skilful at catching fish.

This is why they are hailed as the King of Fishers.

Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

The Kingfisher shimmers like a dazzling jewel. Its tiny body and wings are bright blue and glossy green.

It flies very fast above the water and sometimes seems like a flash of blue light.

The lower part of its body is bright red. Its little face is also shiny blue, with a red and a white patch.

The female Kingfisher has a pink-orange lower beak. The beak of the male is all black.

Habitat

Kingfishers like clean rivers, streams and lakes.

Kingfishers love to eat little fish, as well as tadpoles, insects and shrimps.

Nest and Eggs

Together, the Kingfisher parents dig a tunnel in a sandy or clay riverbank or lakeside. At the end of the tunnel, they dig out a nesting hole. There, they pile up dry fish bones and the eggs are laid on top of the bones.

Six to eight round white eggs are laid, between April and June. Both Kingfisher parents look after the eggs, keeping them snug and warm. Later, both parents feed the hatchlings.

Where and When?

Kingfishers can be found throughout Britain, apart from in the far north. It is not common, and can only survive near clean unpolluted waters.

Some stay in Britain all the time, but others fly off at various times throughout the year.

Call

The Kingfisher makes a high-pitched whistle and warble, as it flies over the water.

17 cm.

The young Kingfisher hatchlings are fed by their parents for about a month. After that, they have to fend for themselves!