Latin Name - Alcedo atthis Kingfishers are small plump
birds (approximately 6.5 inches) with a small tail, large head and a long
sharp bill; their beautiful iridescent blue backs and tails, orange-red
underparts and white throats make them unmistakable. Males and females
are similar but the female can be distinguished by the red on their lower
bill; young birds are duller and greener than adults. They are birds of
slow moving or still water catching their main prey of freshwater fish
by perching over the water and then diving to catch small fish as they
swim by. Other prey include aquatic insects, small amphibians and occasionally
crustaceans. They fly fast and low over water and often the the first
and last thing you see of a nearby Kingfisher is a flash of blue as it
hurtles past you. In winter, especially hard ones, some Kingfishers will
move to estuaries and coastal areas.
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