Thursday, 09 February 2012
Kingfisher
Scientific Name:
Alcedo atthis
Length:
16 cm
Wingspan (mm):
25 cm
Weight:
40 g
Lifespan:
Max 15 years, on average 7 years, typical 2yrs Description
It is a small, plump bird with a short tail and disproportionately large head and a long dagger like bill.
The plumage is beautfully bright: the back and tail are an iridescent "elctric" blue, the crown and wings are greenish-blue and the underparts and cheeks are an orange-red, with the throat and collar being pure white. The legs are red.
Both sexes are similar with the main difference being the colour of the lower mandible - the males being all black and the females is black with red.
Juveniles are similar to the adults but the plumage is duller and greener and the tip of the tail is white.
Diet
Kingfishers eat fish such as sticklebacks and minnows but will also eat aquatic insects and amphibians.
When fishing, they perch on an overhanging branch waiting for a fish to pass. They will dive underwater to catch the fish then return to their perch where they will stun or kill the fish by hitting it against the perch. They then swallow the fish head first.
Did You Know?
This species is specially protected by Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This legislation protects Kingfisher from nest destruction, killing or injuring but also disturbance while breeding.