Belted Kingfisher
A species of Large Crested Kingfishers Scientific name : Megaceryle alcyon Genus : Large Crested Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher, A species of Large Crested Kingfishers
Botanical name: Megaceryle alcyon
Genus: Large Crested Kingfishers
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Description People often ask General Info
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Description
The belted kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized bird that measures between 28–35 cm (11–14 in) in length with a wingspan of between 48–58 cm (19–23 in). This kingfisher can weigh from 113 to 178 g (4.0 to 6.3 oz). The adult female averages slightly larger than the adult male. This species has a large head with a shaggy crest. Its long, heavy bill is black with a grey base. These features are common in many kingfisher species. This kingfisher shows reverse sexual dimorphism, with the female more brightly coloured than the male. Both sexes have a slate blue head, large white collar, a large blue band on the breast, and white underparts. The back and wings are slate blue with black feather tips with little white dots. The female features a rufous band across the upper belly that extends down the flanks. Juveniles of this species are similar to adults, but both sexes feature the rufous band on the upper belly. Juvenile males will have a rufous band that is somewhat mottled while the band on females will be much thinner than that on adult females. 
Size
28-37 cm (11-14.5 in)
Life Expectancy
2-14 years
Nest Placement
Burrow
Clutch Size
5 - 8 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 2 broods
Number of Broods
22 - 24 days
Nestling Period
27 - 29 days
Feeding Habits
Belted Kingfisher primarily consume small fish, supplemented with crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and occasionally amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. They forage from perches overlooking water, diving to capture prey, which is then beaten and swallowed. They also hover above water to hunt. Nestlings can digest bones and scales, while adults expel indigestible remains.
Habitat
Belted Kingfisher predominantly inhabits areas adjacent to clear, open bodies of water, including streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and coastal habitats like estuaries, calm marine waters, and mangroves. These birds prefer locations with minimal vegetation to unobstruct their view while hunting for fish from perches. Additionally, they require earthen banks for nesting, which are often found along shores of water bodies. Belted Kingfisher can reside in a variety of elevations up to 9,000 feet and are adaptable to both freshwater and brackish environments. During the non-breeding season, belted Kingfisher may extend their range to tropical coasts and offshore islands.
Nest Behavior
During courtship, belted Kingfisher selects elevated sites for flood safety. Both genders dig the burrow, taking 3-7 days, sometimes up to 3 weeks.
Nest Characteristics
Belted Kingfisher excavates burrows in clear earthen banks, often near water. These burrows are 3-6 feet long, slope upward and end in an unlined chamber about 8-12 inches wide and 6-7 inches high, to avoid flooding.
Dite type
Piscivorous
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General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird Feeder Type
Platform
Sounds
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Belted Kingfisher exhibit solitary tendencies outside of the breeding season, when they form monogamous pairs annually. These birds are highly territorial around their stream or shoreline habitats, often fiercely defending their space with loud rattle calls and aggressive displays including bodily heaving and crest elevation. Daily activities involve frequent burrow visits, disrupting potential swallow nesting attempts. Predators are kept at bay through vigilant territory patrols and loud, conspicuous alarm behaviors. Unique interactions include their nesting symbiosis with Bank Swallows in human-modified environs and dramatic defense strategies to deter intruders.
Distribution Area
This bird's breeding habitat is near inland bodies of waters or coasts across most of North America, within Canada, Alaska and the United States. They migrate from the northern parts of its range to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies in winter. It is a rare visitor to the northern areas of Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas. During migration it may stray far from land; the species is recorded as an accidental visitor on several Pacific islands, such as Cocos Island, Malpelo Island, Hawaii, the Azores, Clarion Island, and has occurred as an extremely rare vagrant in Ecuador, Greenland, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. The southernmost records of M. alcyon are from the Galapagos Archipelago, insular Ecuador, where it occurs as a migrant in small numbers but apparently not every year. It leaves northern parts of its range when the water freezes; in warmer areas it is a permanent resident. A few individuals may linger in the north even in the coldest winters except in the Arctic, if there are remaining open bodies of water.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
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