Kingfishers are diverse birds in the Alcedinidae family. Known for vibrant plumage, sharp beaks, and fishing skills. They distribute worldwide, especially Australia and Old World.
The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small kingfisher distributed across Eurasia and North Africa.
Kingfishers don’t swim like penguins. Instead they dive from above like missiles to catch prey. Their feathers reflect light scientists call semi-iridescent.
Kingfishers in Africa known for bright, bold colors. The Malachite Kingfisher has iridescent blue and green feathers. Europe has Common Kingfisher with bright orange and blue feathers.
Asia has diverse kingfishers with unique characteristics.
Kingfishers make nests in hollow trees or tunnels in banks. The Oriental dwarf kingfisher is considered bad omen by Borneo’s Dusun tribe warriors. The smallest is the African dwarf kingfisher at 10 cm long. The largest African kingfisher is the giant kingfisher at 46 cm long. The Australian laughing kookaburra is the heaviest at 500g.
The belted kingfisher eats fish, frogs, insects and crustaceans. It migrates along coasts and rivers. It’s much larger than the European kingfisher.
The collared kingfisher has vibrant blue upperparts and a white collar.
Are there kingfishers in the US?
There are four types of kingfishers in North America: the Ringed Kingfisher, the largest; the Green Kingfisher, the smallest; and the Amazon Kingfisher, similar in looks to the Green Kingfisher but larger in size. The last two live in Mexico and can be found along the southern border of the United States.
The Belted Kingfisher can be found throughout North America, except the northern tundra regions, and into Mexico. Both the male and female incubate the eggs and care for the young. There are three kingfisher species found in the United States: the belted, the green and the ringed. The belted kingfisher is the most common, found throughout most of the country as well as Canada and Mexico.
Kingfishers feed on a variety of prey, including many fish species from Sticklebacks to Pike. Their maximum prey size is about 12 centimeters, impressive given that Kingfishers themselves measure just 16 centimeters. They may eat more than twenty fish daily, half or more of their own body weight. Hunting by diving up to a meter deep, they inhabit inland wetlands and coastal regions while breeding only in North America.
The male chooses a breeding spot and courts the female by bringing fish and singing. They make nests by digging into shoreline banks near water. These birds establish territories and usually remain inside them. In winter some move to mangrove swamps and brackish lagoons.
Are kingfishers aggressive?
Kingfishers are territorial birds. They defend nests and hunting areas aggressively, especially in breeding season. Their plumage has vivid colors and patterns.
The kingfisher’s call reveals it. It chatters energetically. The Belted Kingfisher is often heard before seen. It has a large, bushy crest and thick bill. The plumage is blue-gray above with a white collar and gray breast band.
Kingfishers range 10-42 cm long. They have a compact body, massive bill, short tail and feet. Their plumage shimmers blue, green, red or golden.
Kingfishers spear fish with their long, pointed bill without diving. Their color changes in flight. They depend on weather, so reproduce at high rates. With good territory, they live years.
The white-collared kingfisher has a turquoise head and wings with a white collar and black trim. Females tend green, males blue. Juveniles are duller with a thicker collar band. They are 22-29 cm long.
Kingfishers fascinate. They live by water and catch fish uniquely. Their bright plumage ranges from black and white to blue and red.
There are three kingfisher types. Tree kingfishers are the largest group, with 12 genera. River kingfishers include the American kinds. Water kingfishers live in Africa, Asia and Australia.
Males and females look almost identical, except for orange on the female’s beak. Young ones have duller upperparts and paler underparts. Their vision is keen, both in air and water.
Breeding kingfishers become aggressive, needing monitoring. A brown-hooded pair will excavate a nest in a sandbank.
What does a kingfisher symbolize?
The kingfisher symbolizes peace, prosperity, and good luck. Its vibrant colors represent the beauty and joy in nature. This fascinating bird is known for its diving abilities and unique appearance. The bright hues of the kingfisher’s plumage are believed to have a calming effect. The kingfisher’s long, sharp beak represents its strength, perseverance and ability to overcome obstacles.
Kingfishers exhibit adaptation, living on every continent but Antarctica. They prefer living near water bodies where they find food. Some even take to stocked backyard ponds! The kingfisher symbolizes freedom, courage, adventure and balance. In many cultures, it also symbolizes fertility and good fortune.
The Australian kookaburra carries similar symbolism. Native Americans see kingfishers as symbols of good luck and prosperity. The kingfisher symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, so it’s a popular totem for those seeking change. Across cultures, kingfishers represent keen perception, hard work, happiness and fearlessness. Their beauty and grace have inspired artists for ages.