Belongs to: birds

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List


Best time to see: all year

Key facts

Distinctive electric-blue bird of rivers and streams

Habitat: inland freshwater

Resident; signs that a recent decline may be reversing as our smaller rivers become cleaner and are managed better

Recognition

Red underparts, blue upperparts, long pointed bill

Sits on perch then dives into water to feed

Eats fish

Lifecycle

Nest is a hole in bank

2 Broods April to June; 6-7 white eggs

  • Main photo

Photo © Gerald Downey