Belted KingfisherMegaceryle alcyonWhere and when to see them

The Belted Kingfisher is a stocky, large-headed fishing bird native to North America. Its shaggy crest, heavy bill, and rattling call make it a distinctive presence along waterways. It occurs along both the Columbia and Mississippi river systems wherever suitable feeding and nesting habitat is available. Unlike many birds, the female is more colorful than the male, with an additional rusty band across her belly. Populations in colder regions migrate when freezing conditions limit access to open water.

Size

28–35 cm (11–14 in) long, with a wingspan of 48–58 cm (19–23 in).

Weight

140–170 g (4.9–6.0 oz).

Lifespan

Wild individuals can live at least 15 years, although many live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Belted Kingfishers usually hunt from exposed branches, posts, or other perches overlooking water. They also hover briefly before plunging headfirst after prey near the surface. Captured fish are commonly carried back to a perch, struck against it, and swallowed headfirst. Outside the breeding season, individuals generally defend separate feeding territories. Their loud, dry rattles often announce flights along the shoreline or encounters with other kingfishers. Pairs excavate nesting tunnels in earthen banks, with a nest chamber at the far end. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young.

• Females are more colorful than males.
• Its nest is hidden at the end of a tunnel excavated in an earthen bank.
• It can hover briefly while searching for prey.
• Its rattling call often reveals its presence before it is seen.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species uses rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, estuaries, and sheltered coastal waters. Productive feeding areas offer visible prey, accessible open water, and suitable lookout perches. Along the Columbia, it may occupy tributary mouths, quieter river margins, and estuarine shorelines. Along the Mississippi, it uses backwaters, side channels, and other waters connected to the main river. Nesting requires exposed earthen banks suitable for burrowing, sometimes away from the immediate water's edge.

Small fish form the main part of the Belted Kingfisher's diet. It also takes crayfish, aquatic insects, frogs, tadpoles, and other small animals when opportunities arise. Most prey is captured in shallow dives or close to the water's surface. Indigestible material, including fish bones and scales, is later regurgitated in pellets.

Common name

Belted Kingfisher

Scientific name

Megaceryle alcyon

Animal group

Birds

Size

28–35 cm (11–14 in) long, with a wingspan of 48–58 cm (19–23 in).

Weight

140–170 g (4.9–6.0 oz).

Lifespan

Wild individuals can live at least 15 years, although many live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a blue-gray bird with a large, shaggy-crested head, a long pointed bill, and a short tail. Both sexes have a white collar, white underparts, and a blue-gray band across the chest. Females also have a rusty belly band extending onto the flanks, while adult males lack this band. Juveniles can show rusty tones in the chest band, so their markings require closer attention.