Common Kingfisher

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher, is a vibrant, pocket-sized gem among birds. With its unmistakable silhouette characterized by a stout body, large head, and a long, sharp bill, it is a sight to behold. The male boasts a striking palette with blue upperparts, an orange belly, and a conspicuous white throat and collar. The female mirrors the male's vivid colors but can be discerned by her orange-red lower mandible with a black tip.

Identification Tips

To identify the Common Kingfisher, look for its bright blue and orange plumage and its rapid, low flight over water. The male's bill is predominantly black with some red at the base, while the female's bill features an orange-red lower mandible. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, greener upperparts and paler underparts. Their black bill and legs gradually acquire the adult coloration.

Habitat

The Common Kingfisher is found along clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, as well as lakes with well-vegetated banks. It prefers areas with overhanging branches that provide vantage points for hunting. In winter, it may move to coastal regions, frequenting estuaries, harbors, and rocky shores.

Distribution

This species has a broad range across Eurasia and North Africa. It is a year-round resident in many parts of its range but migrates from colder regions where water bodies freeze in winter.

Behaviour

The Common Kingfisher is a solitary and highly territorial bird, particularly during the breeding season. It is known for its fast and direct flight, often creating a flash of electric blue as it moves along waterways. When hunting, it perches above the water before diving in to catch prey with remarkable precision.

Song & Calls

The Common Kingfisher's call is a sharp, high-pitched whistle, often repeated in flight. When alarmed, it emits a harsher sound, and nestlings vocalize with a churring noise to signal hunger.

Breeding

Breeding pairs form in the autumn, with each bird maintaining its own territory. The courtship involves chasing and ritual feeding. Nests are burrows tunneled into riverbanks, where the female lays glossy white eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, and the young fledge after about a month.

Similar Species

In its range, the Common Kingfisher could be confused with other small blue kingfishers. However, its rufous ear patches and specific head pattern are distinguishing features.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Common Kingfisher is predominantly fish, complemented by aquatic insects and, in winter, crustaceans. It hunts by diving from perches, using specialized vision to locate prey underwater.

Conservation Status

The Common Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has a large, stable population and a vast global range. However, it remains sensitive to water pollution and habitat disturbance, which can impact local numbers.