Alcedo atthis
The Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, is a captivating jewel of freshwater ecosystems across Eurasia and North Africa. This small, stocky bird measures about 16-17 cm (6.3-6.7 in) in length with a wingspan of 25 cm (9.8 in) and weighs 25-40 g (0.9-1.4 oz). Its most striking feature is its iridescent, metallic blue upperparts, a brilliant turquoise on the back and rump that flashes conspicuously in flight, contrasting sharply with its rich rufous-orange underparts. A pristine white throat, a d...
This species primarily inhabits slow-moving or still clear freshwater bodies such as rivers, canals, lakes, and ponds. It requires well-vegetated banks for nesting burrows and ample overhanging branches or reeds for perching to hunt, typically found from lowlands up to moderate elevations.
The diet of the Common Kingfisher consists almost exclusively of small fish (typically 2-10 cm long), which it catches by diving headfirst into the water from a perch. It also supplements its diet with aquatic insects, crustaceans, and tadpoles.
Common Kingfishers are solitary and highly territorial birds, actively defending their foraging and nesting areas throughout the year. They are diurnal, spending much of their day perched low over the water, patiently scanning for prey before executing a breathtaking, rapid dive headfirst into th...
The Common Kingfisher boasts an extensive range across the Old World, encompassing much of Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. In Europe, it breeds from the Iberian Peninsula eastwards through central and northern Europe, extending into Fennoscandia, although it is mostly absent from Iceland...
Least Concern
- The Common Kingfisher's dazzling blue color is not due to pigment but rather the structural properties of its feathers, which scatter blue light, much like how a prism creates a rainbow. - They possess a remarkable ability to correct for light refraction when looking into water, allowing them t...