Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
The Belted Kingfisher is a loud, crested fishing bird commonly seen along Florida canals, lakes, rivers, and bays.
The Belted Kingfisher is a loud, crested fishing bird commonly seen along Florida canals, lakes, rivers, and bays.
A stocky blue-gray bird with a large crested head, white collar, heavy pointed bill, and blue chest band. Females also have a rusty belly band.
Perches over water, hovers briefly, and plunges headfirst to capture prey. Its loud rattling call often reveals it first.
Safe around people. Watch from a distance and avoid blocking access to nesting burrows in exposed banks.
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Birds, eggs, nests, and occupied nesting burrows must not be harmed or removed.
Habitat:
Lakes and Ponds, Rivers and Springs, Canals and Ditches, Estuaries and Bays, Coastal Waters
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Primarily fish, plus crayfish, frogs, aquatic insects, and other small prey.
Behavior:
Perches over water, hovers briefly, and plunges headfirst to capture prey. Its loud rattling call often reveals it first.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Morning near open water with exposed perches
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Safe
Safety Information:
Safe around people. Watch from a distance and avoid blocking access to nesting burrows in exposed banks.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes small fish and provides valuable bird-watching activity around ponds and waterways.
Property Concerns:
Vertical nesting banks and favored perches should remain undisturbed during breeding.
Fun Fact:
Females are more colorful than males, an unusual pattern among North American birds.
Wildlife Laws:
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Birds, eggs, nests, and occupied nesting burrows must not be harmed or removed.
Identification:
A stocky blue-gray bird with a large crested head, white collar, heavy pointed bill, and blue chest band. Females also have a rusty belly band.