The belted kingfisher is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, native to North America.
Region
North America and Caribbean
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across Canada and the United States and winters south through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It favors rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal shorelines. Steep, sparsely vegetated earthen banks suitable for burrowing are essential for nesting. Often seen on exposed perches near water, from branches to posts and rocks. Occurs in both freshwater and marine environments, provided small fish are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The belted kingfisher is one of the few North American birds in which females are more brightly marked than males, sporting an additional rufous belt. It excavates long nesting burrows in sandy or earthen banks using its stout bill and strong feet. Its loud, rattling call is often heard as it patrols shorelines and hovers before plunge-diving for prey.
Female with prey
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering; strong flier
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season and defends linear territories along waterways. Pairs form in spring and excavate a nesting burrow 1–3 meters deep in a vertical bank. Both sexes incubate and feed the young. Courtship often includes aerial chases and fish offerings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are dominated by a loud, dry, rattling rattle that carries over water and is given in flight or from a perch. Other calls are sharp, mechanical chatters used in territorial disputes and pair interactions.
Plumage
Shaggy-crested with slate-blue upperparts and a white collar and belly; broad blue breast band. Females show an additional rufous band across the belly and rufous flanks. Tail and wings are barred; plumage appears crisp with strong contrast.
Diet
Primarily small fish, supplemented by crayfish, aquatic insects, amphibians, and occasionally small reptiles or mammals. Hunts by scanning from an exposed perch or by hovering, then plunging headfirst to seize prey near the surface. Prey is usually subdued by beating against a perch and swallowed headfirst. Regurgitates indigestible parts as pellets.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along clear or moderately turbid waters with ample small fish and suitable perches. Common at river bends, lake edges, coastal inlets, and estuaries. Will exploit human-made habitats such as reservoirs and canals.
