Meet the Belted Kingfisher

There are numerous kingfisher species around the globe, but North America is home to just one: the Belted Kingfisher. Its distribution stretches across northern Canada and Alaska, covers much of the United States, and reaches southward through Central America as far as Panama.

Belted Kingfishers are generally solitary and self-sufficient birds. They are commonly observed alone, sitting on a branch or other elevated spot above the water while watching carefully for prey. In colder regions, some individuals migrate south during winter to find unfrozen water. In the Sacramento area, however, Belted Kingfishers can remain in the same region throughout the entire year.

What Does the Belted Kingfisher Look Like?

The Belted Kingfisher is an attractive bird recognized by its slate-blue plumage, contrasting white collar and white underside. A prominent blue crest rises from the top of its head, while a broad slate-blue band crosses its chest.

Females have an additional rusty-orange band across the lower breast, along with matching coloration extending down the sides of the body. Young Belted Kingfishers of both sexes may also show a weak or uneven rusty-orange band, similar to that seen in females. As a male matures, however, this reddish-orange marking gradually disappears.

Where Do Belted Kingfishers Live?

Belted Kingfishers can be found wherever there is relatively calm, open water with a suitable surface for hunting. Their habitats include rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, estuaries and coastal areas.

For nesting, these birds typically select exposed riverbanks, levees or other earthen banks where they can excavate tunnels. They tend to avoid locations with dense tree growth because extensive roots can make digging their nesting tunnels much more difficult.

What Do Belted Kingfishers Eat?

Belted Kingfishers are primarily meat-eaters, with small fish and crayfish making up much of their preferred diet. When these prey items are scarce, they may consume small amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, butterflies, moths and other insects. On rare occasions, they may even feed on berries.

These birds commonly hunt from a perch overlooking the water, patiently watching for movement below. They can also hunt while hovering in place above the surface, using rapid wingbeats to remain suspended in the air.

Once a potential meal is detected, the Belted Kingfisher dives sharply into the water headfirst to capture it. A specialized protective membrane covers its eyes as it enters the water, helping shield the eyes during these fast underwater strikes.