Belted
Kingfisher
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Common Name:Belted Kingfisher
ClassAves
OrderCaraciiformes
Family:Alcedinidae
Genus:Megaceryle
Species:Megaceryle alcyon
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TAXONOMY
Belted Kingfishers are in the group
Coraciiformes which also includes near passerine birds.
The name Coraciiformes means “Raven-Like” even though
they are not related closely to ravens. Belted
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds that are about
28-35cm (11-14in) in length, and their wingspan is about
48-58 (19-23 in). These birds usually weigh between
140-170g (4.9-6 oz). The kingfishers display reverse
sexual dimorphism, and thus the female is more brightly
colored than the male. Both have a blue head with a
large white collar, a large blue band on the breast, and
white under parts. Both the back and wings are blue with
black feather tips and have white dots. The females have
a rufous band across the belly that extends down the
flanks. Young Belted Kingfishers look similar to adults,
but both the male and the female young feature the
characteristic rufous band on the upper belly. The young
males have a rufous band that is somewhat mottled while
the band on females is usually much thinner than that on
adult females. Their call is a very distinctive, long,
uneven clattering rattle.
HABITAT/DIET
Belted Kingfishers are usually located near inland
bodies of water or coasts across most of Canada, Alaska, and the
United States. They are usually seen perched on trees, posts, or
other areas that are close to the water and optimal to finding prey.
Belted Kingfishers usually eat small crustaceans, insects, small
mammals and reptiles. Belted Kingfishers are known to migrate from the
northern habitats where they dwell to the south of the United
States, Mexico, Central America, and West Indies, as well as
northern South America in winter. They usually leave the northern
parts of its range when the water freezes, but might stay if there
are remaining open bodies of water.
BEHAVIOR
The bird nest is created in a horizontal tunnel
usually made in a river bank or sand bank and is excavated by both
parents. The female usually lays five to eight eggs per clutch and
feeds the young. Eggs are usually about 11.5g and have a mean length
of 34.3mm. The average mass of eggs is 11.3g. The average incubation
is about 22 days. Eggs usually hatch synchronously, between 12-18
hours apart.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
Belted Kingfishers are a common bird, and are found
in areas that are wooded and also feature a permanent body of water.
Many times they are heard before they are spotted because of their
loud call.
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