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Kingfishers

Kingfishers are vibrant, small to medium-sized birds found globally, belonging to the family Alcedinidae within the Coraciiformes order, which includes similar species like motmots and bee-eaters. They are widely distributed across tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania, though some can also be found in Europe, inhabit various habitats ranging from deep forests near calm waters to dry plains and tropical coral atolls. This family comprises 116 species across 19 genera and three subfamilies: tree, river, and water kingfishers, though not all are fish specialists. Despite originating in the Indomalayan region around 27 million years ago, their diversity is now greatest in the Australasian realm. Kingfishers are characterized by their large heads, sharp bills tailored for their diet ranging from fish and invertebrates to small vertebrates, and their short legs with stubby tails. Their impressive plumage is usually bright—predominantly green and blue—resulting from the feathers' structure rather than pigmentation, with minimal sexual dimorphism. Kingfishers have excellent vision, including color vision, which helps them hunt by swooping down from perches to capture prey. They nest in cavities, particularly tunnels in earth banks or termite nests, lay white eggs, and are generally monogamous with some species displaying cooperative breeding. While most species are not threatened, certain insular species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and other human impacts. Kingfishers hold significant cultural value in many societies but are typically shy and elusive, contributing to their unique allure in human folklore and mythology.

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African & New World ParrotsAlbatrossesAnhingas, DartersAntbirdsAntpittasAntthrushesAustral Storm PetrelsBarn OwlsBlack-capped DonacobiusCaracaras, FalconsCardinals & AlliesChachalacas, Curassows, GuansChats, Old World FlycatchersCormorants, ShagsCotingasCrescentchestsCrows, JaysCuckoosDippersDucks, Geese, SwansFinches, EuphoniasFinfootsFlamingosFrigatebirdsGannets, BoobiesGnatcatchersGnateatersGrebesGulls, Terns, SkimmersHerons, BitternsHoatzinHummingbirdsIbises, SpoonbillsJacamarsJacanasKingfishersKites, Hawks, EaglesLarksLimpkinMagellanic PloverManakinsMitrospingid TanagersMockingbirds, ThrashersMotmotsNew World BarbetsNew World QuailNew World SparrowsNew World VulturesNew World WarblersNightjarsNorthern Storm PetrelsOilbirdOld World ParrotsOld World Sparrows, SnowfinchesOropendolas, Orioles, BlackbirdsOspreysOvenbirdsOwlsOystercatchersPainted-snipesPelicansPenguinsPetrels, Shearwaters, Diving PetrelsPheasants & AlliesPigeons, DovesPloversPotoosPuffbirdsRails, Crakes & CootsRheasSandpipers, SnipesSapayoaScreamersSeedsnipesSeriemasSheathbillsSkuasStarlings, RhabdornisStilts, AvocetsStone-curlews, Thick-kneesStorksSunbitternSwallows, MartinsSwiftsTanagers & AlliesTapaculosThrushesThrush-tanagerTinamousTityras, Becards, SharpbillToucan BarbetsToucansTrogonsTropicbirdsTrumpetersTyrant Flycatchers, CalypturaVireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblersWagtails, PipitsWaxbills, Munias & AlliesWaxwingsWeavers, WidowbirdsWoodpeckersWrens

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What Our Birders Say
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
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My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
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