Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Aves › Coraciiformes › Alcedinidae › Alcedo
Conservation status: least_concern
The Common Kingfisher is a small, jewel-like bird with brilliant turquoise-blue upperparts and warm orange underparts, making it unmistakable along European waterways. It hunts by perching motionless above water before plunging headfirst to catch small fish with its long, dagger-like bill.
How To Identify
Slender and compact, it features brilliant turquoise-blue back plumage contrasted sharply by a rich rufous breast and white underbelly. Its short, sturdy bill is perfectly adapted for spearing fish.
Habitat
It lives in clear, slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes, and canals with overhanging vegetation.
Behaviour
The Common Kingfisher perches motionless above water before plunge-diving to catch small fish.
Native Range
The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe Asia and North Africa mainly south of 60°N.
Did You Know?
Kingfishers have binocular vision underwater and can correct for light refraction when diving.
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