The kingfisher is a small bird with bright plumage that is often seen near rivers, streams, and lakes. The male and female are very similar in color: the upper side is blue-green, the back bright azure blue, and the breast reddish-brown. The female can be recognized by the color of her lower beak, which is orange-red with a black tip. Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they also feed on aquatic insects and small amphibians such as salamanders. The kingfisher is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, where it usually overwinters. They migrate after breeding from areas with prolonged winter frosts.
• Kingfishers are important members of the ecosystem and good indicators of freshwater health. The highest breeding densities are found in habitats with clear, high-quality water, indicating that the water is free from pollution. • They are highly territorial birds that will protect their water territory against potential intruders. This is not surprising, given that they need to consume approximately 60% of their body weight in food daily.
Characteristics • Length: 15-17 cm • Wingspan: ~25 cm • Habitat: Calm, slow-flowing freshwater – rivers, streams, canals, but also lakes and marshlands. • Diet: Primarily fish, but they also eat aquatic insects, shrimp, and tadpoles!