Belted Kingfisher Similar Species Comparison
Similar Species
Ringed Kingfisher
Female
The huge, crow-sized Ringed Kingfisher is a tropical species that barely extends its range into Texas. It is considerably larger and stouter than Belted Kingfishers, with a truly massive bill and almost entirely rusty underparts.
© Brad Dawson | Macaulay LibraryBelize, January 23, 2017Similar Species
Green Kingfisher
Male
Green Kingfishers occur in south Texas and occasionally Arizona. They are about half the size of a Belted Kingfisher, although with a disproportionately long bill. Their green-and-white plumage is distinctive if seen in good light.
© John Cahill xikanel.com | Macaulay LibraryPetén, June 09, 2016Main Species
Belted Kingfisher
Female
Stocky, large-headed bird with a shaggy crest and a thick daggerlike bill. Females are blue-gray with a chestnut belly band and flanks.
© Charlie Bruggemann | Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, January 11, 2019Male
Large, crested fish-eating bird. Males are blue-gray with a white collar and blue-gray breast band.
© Michael Nelson | Macaulay LibraryOntario, March 31, 2019Adult male
Typically forages by perching on a high branch or telephone wire before plunging headfirst into a shallow water body. Pursues fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic prey.
© Eric Liner | Macaulay LibraryFlorida, January 20, 2009Not all videos have sound
Female
Large, big-headed bird with a heft bill. Females are more colorful than males with a chestnut belly band and flanks.
© Matt Murphy | Macaulay LibraryTexas, December 07, 2020Male
Often hovers above water looking for fish. Males have a single blue-gray breast band.
© Matt Davis | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 28, 2017Female
Catches fish by plunging directly into the water from a perch, or by hovering over the water and diving in.
© William Higgins | Macaulay LibraryVirginia, August 01, 2017© Peter Finley | Macaulay LibraryIndiana, August 20, 2020
© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryNew York, November 09, 2020
© Shari McCollough | Macaulay LibraryIndiana, March 11, 2019
Female
Found near streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and estuaries.
© Pat Hare | Macaulay LibraryOntario, August 27, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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