Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Common Kingfisher is a striking small bird with a vibrant blue upper body and wings that contrast with its bright orange underparts. It has a long, dagger-like black bill and short red legs. A white patch on the neck and behind the eyes stands out against the blue plumage.
Males and females are similar, but females can be distinguished by their lower mandible (lower half of the bill), which is orange-red. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, greener plumage and shorter bills.
Size
Length
16cm to 17cm
Wingspan
24cm to 26cm
Weight
34g to 46g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Kingfishers inhabit clear, slow-moving freshwater bodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. They require suitable perches overlooking water and earthen banks for nesting. Their range extends across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
They are widespread in the UK but absent from northern Scotland. Some birds migrate south in winter, especially from the northern parts of their range, while others are resident year-round, where waters remain ice-free.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Kingfisher. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Common Kingfisher displays remarkable agility, particularly in its precise diving and fishing abilities. Its capacity to hover briefly before plunging into water and swiftly manoeuvre to catch fish demonstrates exceptional aerial dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for its size, the Common Kingfisher possesses sufficient strength to catch and carry fish up to 7 cm in length, which can be a significant portion of its own body weight.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows good adaptability, inhabiting various freshwater environments from natural rivers to urban canals and parks. Its ability to thrive in different climates, from temperate to tropical zones, further demonstrates its adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Common Kingfishers exhibit considerable aggression in defending their territories, particularly during breeding season. They are known to fiercely guard their fishing spots and nesting sites against intruders.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
While capable of consuming up to 60% of their body weight daily, indicating good foraging endurance, Common Kingfishers are not long-distance migrants. Their endurance is moderate, suited to their fishing lifestyle and limited migratory needs.
Diet
Common Kingfishers primarily feed on small fish, typically up to 7 cm in length, with a maximum of 12 cm. They also consume aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and amphibians.
These birds can consume up to 60% of their body weight daily, often swallowing prey whole after striking it against a branch to stun it. This means that sometimes they can eat over 20 fish a day!
Behaviour
Common Kingfishers are often seen perched motionless on branches overhanging water, scanning for prey. They dive headfirst into the water up to a meter deep to catch fish, returning to their perch to consume their catch. Prey is stunned by dashing it against a hard surface and then swallowed whole.
These birds are typically solitary, fiercely defending their territories, except during the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Common Kingfisher's call is a high-pitched, shrill 'tsee-tsee' or 'peep-peep', often given in flight. When perched, they may emit a softer, whistling 'seep'.
During courtship or aggressive encounters, a series of rapid, high-pitched notes may be heard, resembling a shrill trill.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Common Kingfishers typically begins in late March or early April. Males perform courtship flights and offer fish to females. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season.
Nests are built in vertical riverbanks, with both sexes excavating a tunnel up to 1 meter deep. The tunnel ends in a nesting chamber where 5-7 glossy white eggs are laid.
Incubation lasts 19-21 days, shared by both parents. Chicks fledge after 23-27 days but are fed by parents for another 3-4 days before becoming independent. Pairs often raise 2-3 broods per season.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Common Kingfishers face localised threats from water pollution, habitat loss, and severe winters. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining clean waterways and preserving natural riverbanks.
In the UK, they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
780,000 - 1,340,000 mature individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for a flash of blue near slow-moving rivers, streams, or ponds
- Listen for a high-pitched 'peep' call, often given in flight
- Observe favourite perches, as kingfishers often return to the same spots
- If there is no suitable perch, the kingfisher will hover for several seconds before plunging into the water
- The kingfisher’s back and tail are the palest parts during flight, which is straight and fast and usually seen low over the surface of the water
- In the UK, check along canals and in urban parks with suitable water bodies
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and merlins, as well as mammals like minks and domestic cats. Pike and large fish may occasionally catch diving kingfishers.
Did You Know?
- Kingfishers have a monocular vision in the air but binocular vision underwater, allowing for precise hunting.
- Their feathers contain tiny structures that make them appear more vibrant blue when wet.
- A kingfisher's third eyelid is transparent, acting as 'goggles' when diving.
- Kingfishers have toes that are joined together along part of their length, making a useful shovel with which to excavate nesting tunnels.
FAQs
Do Kingfishers visit gardens?
Kingfishers rarely visit gardens. However, they may turn up at larger garden ponds where they can be unwelcome visitors for fish keepers.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Alcedo atthis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22683027A89575948.
View source
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.