Belted Kingfisher

Water and Wading Bird Pictures

Water and Wading Bird Species Types of Birds Least Grebe Pied-billed Grebe White-faced Ibis Black Tern Virginia Rail American Coot

The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) is a species that generally falls into the kingfisher family of birds, although there is disagreement about the taxonomical classification about kingfishers in general

Like all kingfishers, the Belted Kingfisher is an excellent fishing bird. It has excellent eyesight, which helps it spot swimming fish. At the same time, it makes it difficult to sneak up on them for a picture.

A female is presented in the picture above. Unlike most species of birds, the female is more colorful, with the rust colored band, than the male. Generally, they are characterized by an oversized head and short pointed bill.

© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels