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A photo of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), male
Belted Kingfisher, Male

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, native to North America. All kingfishers were formerly placed in one family, Alcedinidae, but recent research suggests that this should be divided into three subfamilies. This species has a large head with a shaggy crest. Its long, heavy bill is black with a grey base. These features are common in many kingfisher species. This kingfisher shows reverse sexual dimorphism, with the female more brightly coloured than the male. Both sexes have a slate blue head, large white collar, a large blue band on the breast, and white underparts. The back and wings are slate blue with black feather tips with little white dots. The female features a rufous band across the upper belly that extends down the flanks. Juveniles of this species are similar to adults, but both sexes feature the rufous band on the upper belly. Juvenile males will have a rufous band that is somewhat mottled while the band on juvenile females will be much thinner than that of adult females.
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Belted Kingfishers on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
🐦
Josh Stewart
Thursday 28 Sep 2023 - 11:29pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Alex Wight
Alex Wight
Thursday 28 Sep 2023 - 3:46pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦩
John Tackett
Thursday 28 Sep 2023 - 3:44pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🐡
Diane Starr
Thursday 28 Sep 2023 - 12:46pm
United States
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