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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CIV
Field-journal plate: Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CIV

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

Alcedinidae · Taxon 2548

Length28–35 cm (11.0–13.8 in)
Wingspan48–58 cm (18.9–22.8 in)
Weight140–170 g (4.9–6.0 oz)

Field marks

  1. Stocky, top-heavy profile with a large head and shaggy crest
  2. Long, thick, straight dark bill and dark eye
  3. Blue-gray head, back, and wings
  4. White collar and underparts with a broad blue-gray breast band; females add a rusty belly band and flanks
  5. Fine white spotting and barring on the wings and medium-length, square-tipped tail
  6. Short legs with small orange-gray feet

HabitatClear or calm streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters with open hunting perches; exposed earthen banks are important for nesting.

BehaviorUsually solitary and territorial; watches from exposed waterside perches or hovers, then plunges headfirst for fish and other aquatic prey. Flies along shorelines with a loud rattling call and excavates nesting burrows in earthen banks.

Palette

blue-graywhiterusty chestnutcharcoal blackorange-gray