Kingfishers (Order Coraciiformes, Family
Alcedinidae) are large-headed, short-tailed 
birds
that dive for fish, which they catch with their long sharp beaks.
They perch motionless in the open, over water. Their legs are
very short. Their nest is actually a deep burrow dug into a steep
bank where they usually lay 3-8 white eggs.
The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) is
about 13 inches and is the only Kingfisher found in North America.
They are slate blue above and white below. They have a white
collar and the females have a rust belly and flanks. They are
common and very noticeable along rivers and brooks, ponds and
lakes and estuaries, where they spend their time catching fish.
They are solitary except during the nesting season. The call
is a loud, dry rattle.
The little Kingfisher shown at right is
made by Wild Republic and is part of their Audubon
Birds collection. These birds are unique in that when squeezed
they will utter their own particular call.
Class: Aves | Order: Coraciiformes
| Family: Alcedinidae
