Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a distinctive bird with a shaggy crest and a long, dagger-like bill. This medium-sized kingfisher is known for its loud, rattling call and its remarkable fishing skills. Belted Kingfishers are commonly found near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal shorelines. They are skilled hunters, often seen perched on branches or wires near water, waiting to plunge headfirst to catch fish. Their nesting burrows are typically excavated in sandy or gravelly banks. Belted Kingfishers are known for their striking blue and white plumage, with a prominent blue band across the chest. They are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN due to their widespread distribution and stable population.

Habitat: Near bodies of water