Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher
100
1 day ago
Points:
100
A large, stocky kingfisher identifiable by its shaggy crest, slate-blue back, and prominent white collar with a broad rufous band across the chest (females also have a second band). It's a skilled fisher, plunging headfirst into water to catch prey.
Where to spot
Found widely across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south to the southern United States and Mexico. Winters south to Central and South America. Inhabits coasts, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive rattling call, often given in flight. Look for it perched conspicuously on branches, wires, or pilings near water, or observe its characteristic hovering flight before a dive.
When to spot
Year-round in its resident range. Best observed during breeding season (spring/summer) in its northern range, or during migration (spring and autumn) along coastal areas and major waterways.
Where to spot
Found widely across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south to the southern United States and Mexico. Winters south to Central and South America. Inhabits coasts, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive rattling call, often given in flight. Look for it perched conspicuously on branches, wires, or pilings near water, or observe its characteristic hovering flight before a dive.
When to spot
Year-round in its resident range. Best observed during breeding season (spring/summer) in its northern range, or during migration (spring and autumn) along coastal areas and major waterways.
Credits:
Erik B
Credits:
Door Kevin Cole from Pacific Coast, USA (en:User:Kevinlcole) - Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5088393
Unlike most bird species, the female Belted Kingfisher is more colorful than the male, possessing an additional rusty band across her belly.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 86304 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 1 day ago
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