The kingfisher is a small bird characterized by its bright blue and orange plumage, typically found near rivers and lakes. It is well known for its fishing behavior, diving into water with its long beak to catch prey.
Habitat and Distribution
The kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is distributed across various regions, including Europe, the Mediterranean basin, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia as far east as Japan. There are both resident and migratory populations. In southern regions, individuals are generally present year-round, while populations in the north tend to migrate southwards during winter months to avoid frozen water surfaces. In Türkiye, the species is commonly observed in coastal areas and inland regions that feature streams, lakes, and wetlands.
This species inhabits freshwater environments but is also capable of hunting in slightly brackish waters, especially during the winter. Its preferred habitats include lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, and coastal strips. These water bodies often have steep, earthen banks, which are essential for nesting; kingfishers excavate burrows into these banks to lay their eggs.
Morphological Characteristics and Identification
The kingfisher is identified by its vivid plumage. The back, wings, and head are metallic blue-green, while the underparts and the area beneath the eyes are a chestnut-orange hue. White markings appear on the throat and the sides of the neck. The beak is long, pointed, and black; in males, it is entirely black, whereas in females, the lower mandible may show a brownish tint. Feather coloration may vary slightly depending on light exposure. The legs are short and reddish. The tail is short, and the wingspan averages around 24–26 cm.
Adult individuals measure approximately 17 cm in length and weigh between 26 and 39 grams. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller and more greenish coloration compared to adults.
Feeding
Kingfishers are primarily piscivorous. They typically hunt by observing the water surface from a perch. Upon locating suitable prey, they perform a swift dive to capture the fish. It is common behavior for the bird to immobilize its catch by striking it against a hard surface, holding the prey by the tail.
Fish constitute approximately 60–67% of their diet. In addition, they consume aquatic crustaceans, insects, and other small invertebrates. Due to their high metabolic rate, they need to consume food equivalent to about 60% of their body weight daily.
Kingfisher Preparing to Dive (Source:TUBİTAK)
Reproduction and Behavior
During the breeding season, which spans from late March to the end of September, kingfishers exhibit monogamous behavior. Pairs excavate nesting burrows approximately 15–30 cm deep in steep banks, although the depth may exceed one meter in some cases. Typically, two broods are raised between April and October, although under certain conditions, three or even four broods may occur. A study conducted in the Fodráska region of Slovakia documented a pair attempting to breed five times in one season, with three successful broods.
Each clutch consists of approximately 6–7 eggs. The incubation period lasts about 18–21 days, with both parents sharing incubation duties. Fledging occurs within 23–27 days after hatching. In some cases, the female may begin laying eggs in a new burrow before the young in the first nest have fully matured, with the male continuing to care for the earlier brood.
Ecological Role and Behavioral Traits
The kingfisher is considered a biological indicator species. Since it feeds on small fish and aquatic invertebrates, any decline in water quality can lead to rapid decreases in population numbers.
Individuals are generally solitary and territorial. A kingfisher may defend its foraging territory by displaying its beak and plumage or engaging in physical confrontations with intruders. When hunting, it often dives from perches or, in the absence of suitable branches, hovers in mid-air while scanning the water for prey.
