Bird Guide

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

Least ConcernFishRiverineCavity nestMedium · 148 g

About the Belted Kingfisher

The belted kingfisher is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, native to North America.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

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. Both sexes have a slate blue head, large white collar, a large blue band on the breast, and white underparts.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Belted Kingfisher sounds like

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Doug Hynes · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Belted Kingfisher lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in France.

When to see the Belted Kingfisher

Peak activity in September · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Belted Kingfisher vs Ringed Kingfisher

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