Is this a juvenile Kingy?

[FUDGEY]

Im hoping one of our resident experts can tell me if this bird is a juv or not. I can see a faint white tip on the end of its beak, but not sure if this is enough white to make it a youngster from this year. I took this yesterday on my local river where two adults died last winter. There was no birds all Spring or Summer so Id be interested if this was a juv or an adult that had moved in and taken up the territory. Any help appreciated greatly.

[watsthat]

Nice pic Fudgey and yes it does have the look of a juvenile. We had a similar situatiion here, kingfishers have been absent all year although I did manage to see one in February. I hope they make a comeback, I miss them!

Cheers

Pete

[Johnny81]

Lovely picture

[welshgold]

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

Im hoping one of our resident experts can tell me if this bird is a juv or not. I can see a faint white tip on the end of its beak, but not sure if this is enough white to make it a youngster from this year. I took this yesterday on my local river where two adults died last winter. There was no birds all Spring or Summer so Id be interested if this was a juv or an adult that had moved in and taken up the territory. Any help appreciated greatly.

Superb capture of one the most striking looking birds around...my fav bird of all! Great image!

[Dogghound]

Its a 1st winter female, probably from an earlier brood. At this time of year (autumn) birds are dispersing especially juveniles which move into new areas from where their parents have bred. Adults tend to be more loyal to their breeding territory unless habitat or food supply dictates otherwise. So the fact this bird is hear does not necessarily mean that they have bred locally.

[JeffH]

Hi Fudgey,

Yes, it's a juvenile female as Dogghound says. In addition to the white tip to the beak the blotchy/banding on the chest plumage is another indicator, though the feet (initially dark on juveniles) are clearly now almost fully coloured and will go even more orange as the bird ages. Nice shot

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[FUDGEY]

Thanks folks, I like to know these things and try keep track. As always great help on here