Belted Kingfischer

Cool Facts

The breeding distribution of the Belted Kingfisher is limited in some areas by the availability of suitable nesting sites. Human activity, such as road building and digging gravel pits, has created banks where kingfishers can nest and allowed the expansion of the breeding range.

The Belted Kingfisher is one of the few bird species in which the female is more brightly colored than the male. Among the 93 species of kingfishers, the sexes often look alike. In some species the male is more colorful, and in others the female is.

During breeding season the Belted Kingfisher pair defends a territory against other kingfishers. A territory along a stream includes just the streambed and the vegetation along it, and averages 1 km (0.6 mi) long.The nest burrow is usually in a dirt bank near water. The tunnel slopes upward from the entrance, perhaps to keep water from entering the nest. Tunnel length ranges from 30 to 250 cm (1 to 8 ft).

Habitat

Lake/Pond

Breeds along streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries with banks for nest holes.

Winters along coast, streams, and lakes.

Food

Fish

Fish. Also aquatic invertebrates, insects, and small vertebrates.

Nesting

Nesting Facts

Clutch Size

5–8 eggs

Egg Description

White.

Condition at Hatching

Helpless and naked.

Nest Description

Nest in burrow in bank near water. No lining used.

Nest Placement

Burrow

Behavior

Aerial Dive

Watches in clear water from perch or while hovering, plunges into water headfirst to catch prey in bill. Pounds prey on perch to kill it.

Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern

Populations may be decreasing in many areas.

Source: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Belted_Kingfisher/lifehistory