Belted kingfisher

by Gerry Smith, Consulting Ornithologist

Belted Kingfisher

maplewood flats, north vancouver, bc.

Belted Kingfisher, found in US and Canada

Belted Kingfisher More

Shown below is a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

The Belted Kingfisher is often first noticed by its wild rattling call as it flies over rivers or lakes. It may be seen perched on a high snag, or hovering on rapidly beating wings, then plunging...

With its top-heavy physique, energetic flight, and piercing rattle, the Belted Kingfisher seems to have an air of self-importance as it patrols up and down rivers and shorelines. It nests in burrows along earthen banks and feeds almost entirely on aquatic prey, diving to catch fish and crayfish with its heavy, straight bill. These ragged-crested birds are a powdery blue-gray; males have one blue band across the white breast, while females have a blue and a chestnut band.