The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, native to North America. All kingfishers are placed in one family, Alcedinidae, and recent research suggests that this should be divided into three subfamilies.

Belted Kingfishers are stocky, large-headed birds with a shaggy crest on the top and back of the head and a straight, thick, pointed bill. Their legs are short and their tails are medium length and square-tipped. Smaller than an American Crow; larger than a Hairy Woodpecker.

The Belted Kingfisher is often first noticed by its wild rattling call as it flies over rivers or lakes. It may be seen perched on a high snag, or hovering on rapidly beating wings, then plunging headfirst into the water to grab a fish.

Belted Kingfishers are common along streams and shorelines across North America. You’ll probably hear a loud, rattling call before you see the kingfisher. Its large head and hefty bill give it a distinctive profile as it patrols its territory, using the open space above the water as a flyway.

Bill is long, straight, thick, and pointed. Powder blue above with white underparts and blue breast band. Females have additional rusty band across belly. Almost always solitary, perched along edges of streams, lakes, and estuaries. Flies along rivers and shorelines giving loud rattling calls.

It nests in burrows along earthen banks and feeds almost entirely on aquatic prey, diving to catch fish and crayfish with its heavy, straight bill. These ragged-crested birds are a powdery blue-gray; males have one blue band across the white breast, while females have a …

A chattering, rattling call along the river or lakeside announces the presence of a Belted Kingfisher. Often heard before seen, this dagger-billed, shaggy-crested bird is usually spotted next to a river or lake, or hovering over the water before plunging headfirst to snag a fish.

Feb 18, 2024 · The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a medium-sized bird found across North America. With its top-heavy physique, electric blue-and-white plumage, and raucous rattling call, the belted kingfisher is a striking and instantly recognizable species. But just how rare or common is this charismatic bird?

Nov 26, 2024 · With enough practice, you’ll soon be able to recognize the distinctive silhouette of a belted kingfisher from across a pond. Belted kingfishers are distributed widely across North America. Both males and females are blue-gray with bright white bellies and blue chest bands.

Feb 27, 2023 · The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), with its distinctive shaggy crest and bold, blue and white plumage, is a fascinating and highly skilled hunter found across North and Central America. These birds are known for their impressive aerial acrobatics, as they dive headfirst into the water to catch fish.