Bird · GBIF taxon 2475472
Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyonAlso known as Northern Kingfisher
Belted Kingfishers patrol streams, lakes, and coastal bays, scanning the water from high perches before plunging headfirst to capture small fish. Females display bolder coloration than males, bearing a distinctive chestnut band across their belly in addition to the slate-blue breast band shared by both sexes. These loud, solitary birds defend year-round feeding territories with harsh, mechanical rattle calls that ring out across waterbodies.
PiscivoreCavity NesterVocal
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Minnows
- Crayfish
- Tadpoles
Predators
- Cooper's Hawk
- Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Peregrine Falcon
ThreatsHabitat degradation, shoreline development, and human disturbance near nesting banks
HabitatsLakes, rivers, streams, ponds, estuaries, and coastal shorelines
Life span6 to 10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAlcedinidae
- SpeciesMegaceryle alcyon
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen closely: Listen for their loud, mechanical rattle calls to spot them before they take flight.
- Watch perches: Look along exposed dead branches or wires overlooking quiet waters.
- Keep back from banks: Avoid approaching steep earthen riverbanks during spring nesting season.
Co-occurring Species Close Relative Family Member Distant Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.