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Belted Kingfisher

Ceryle alcyon ORDER: CORACIIFORMES FAMILY: ALCEDINIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Belted Kingfisher Photo

© Marie Read

A common waterside resident throughout North America, the Belted Kingfisher is often seen hovering before it plunges headfirst into water to catch a fish. It frequently announces its presence by its loud rattling cry.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Kingfishers
Kingfishers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized bird.
  • Large head and shaggy crest.
  • Large, thick bill.
  • Bluish head and back.
  • White throat and collar.
  • White underneath with blue breast band.

Male Description

Belly white, without rufous band. May have rufous flanks and some reddish in blue chest band.

Female Description

Rufous flanks and band across chest below the blue band. Rufous tips to feathers in blue chest band.

Immature Description

Immature like adult, but immature male has incomplete rufous chest band.

Range Map Help

Belted Kingfisher Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Blue Jay is slimmer, has a more pointed crest, and a thin dark necklace instead of a broad chest band.
  • Ringed Kingfisher is similar, but is larger and has extensive rufous belly.
  • Green Kingfisher is smaller, green, not blue, and lacks the large white spot in the wing.