Common Kingfisher

Key identifiable features

• General: Small, bright blue and orange kingfisher with short tail and long bill. Fast, direct flight over water.
• Male vs Female: Females have reddish lower mandible; males have black bill.
• Juvenile: Duller with dark feet and less vivid plumage.

Movement & migration

Mostly resident; may shift locally along rivers and streams. Breeding pairs are territorial.

General information

A jewel-like bird of rivers and ponds, hunting fish by diving from perches. Its rapid flight and sharp whistles are characteristic. Sensitive to water clarity for feeding success.

Sourced from authorized ornithology references.

Audio recordings