Mary Allen
Introduction: What are kingfishers?
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized birds that are found worldwide, except for Antarctica. They are known for their distinctive beaks, which are long and pointed, and their brightly colored feathers. The name "kingfisher" is derived from their habit of hunting fish, which is their primary source of food. Kingfishers can be found near rivers, ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water, where they perch on branches or other objects and wait for their prey to swim by.
The taxonomy of kingfishers
Kingfishers belong to the family Alcedinidae, which includes over 90 species. They are divided into three subfamilies: Alcedininae (river kingfishers), Halcyoninae (tree kingfishers), and Cerylinae (water kingfishers). These subfamilies are further divided into genera, which are groups of closely related species.
The Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a large, stocky bird that is found throughout North America. It has a distinctive blue-gray back and wings, a white belly, and a blue-gray head with a shaggy crest. The male has a blue-gray breast band, while the female has a rusty-red breast band. Belted Kingfishers are found near freshwater sources, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Common Kingfisher
The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small bird that is found throughout Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It has bright blue and orange feathers, a short tail, and a long, pointed beak. Common Kingfishers are found near rivers and streams, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Pied Kingfisher
The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a medium-sized bird that is found throughout Africa and Asia. It has a black and white plumage, a shaggy crest, and a long, pointed beak. Pied Kingfishers are found near rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, where they hover above the water and dive in to catch fish.
The Ringed Kingfisher
The Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is a large bird that is found throughout Central and South America. It has a blue-gray back and wings, a white belly, and a shaggy crest. The male has a red breast band, while the female has a rusty-red breast band. Ringed Kingfishers are found near rivers and lakes, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Green Kingfisher
The Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) is a small bird that is found throughout Central and South America, as well as in parts of the southern United States. It has a green back and wings, a white belly, and a short, pointed beak. Green Kingfishers are found near rivers and streams, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Amazon Kingfisher
The Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) is a medium-sized bird that is found throughout South America. It has a green back and wings, a white belly, and a long, pointed beak. Amazon Kingfishers are found near rivers and streams, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Shining Blue Kingfisher
The Shining Blue Kingfisher (Alcedo quadribrachys) is a small bird that is found in Indonesia and Malaysia. It has a bright blue back and wings, a white belly, and a short, pointed beak. Shining Blue Kingfishers are found near rivers and streams, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Forest Kingfisher
The Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii) is a medium-sized bird that is found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It has a blue back and wings, a white belly, and a short, pointed beak. Forest Kingfishers are found near rivers and streams in forested areas, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Laughing Kookaburra
The Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is a large bird that is found in Australia and nearby islands. It has a brown back and wings, a white belly, and a large, curved beak. Laughing Kookaburras are not true kingfishers, but they are sometimes called "laughing kingfishers" because of their similar hunting behavior. They are found near rivers and streams, where they perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water to catch fish.
The Sacred Kingfisher
The Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) is a small bird that is found in Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands. It has a blue back and wings, a white belly, and a short, pointed beak. Sacred Kingfishers are found near rivers and streams, as well as in wooded areas and farmland. They perch on branches or other objects and dive into the water or grass to catch fish, insects, and other prey.
Conclusion: Diversity and distribution of kingfishers
Kingfishers are a diverse group of birds that are found all over the world, from the Americas to Australia. They come in many different sizes and colors, but they all share the same hunting behavior of diving into the water to catch fish. Some species are found near rivers and streams, while others are found in forests or open grasslands. Despite their differences, all kingfishers are adapted to their environments and are an important part of the ecosystem.