Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
The common kingfisher, also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa.
Appearance
The common kingfisher measures about 16–17 cm (6.3–6.7 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 24–26 cm (9.4–10.2 inches) and a weight typically ranging from 30–46 grams.Its most distinctive feature is its colorful plumage. The upperparts are generally bright blue or turquoise, often appearing almost metallic when illuminated by sunlight.Males and females look similar, but one useful identifying feature is the lower mandible. In adult males, the bill is generally entirely dark, while females usually have an orange or reddish-orange area on the lower mandible.
Habitat and Distribution
The common kingfisher occupies a broad geographic range across Europe, Asia (as far east as Japan), and parts of North Africa.They prefer clean, slow-flowing freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, canals, lakes, and clear ponds adorned with overhanging branches or dense vegetation.
Diet
Fish form an important part of the Common Kingfisher's diet. However, this bird does not depend exclusively on fish.The hunting behavior of the Common Kingfisher is particularly fascinating to observe.A kingfisher may sit quietly on a branch for several minutes while scanning the water below. Suddenly, it launches itself forward and dives downward. The dive can be extremely fast, allowing the bird to catch small fish before they have time to escape. Its food may also include aquatic insects, insect larvae, small crustaceans, tadpoles, and occasionally other small aquatic animals.
Breeding
Breeding typically occurs from March or April through July, with pairs often raising two (sometimes three) broods per season.Unlike many birds that build nests in trees, Common Kingfishers usually create a tunnel inside a riverbank or another suitable vertical bank. Both members of a breeding pair may participate in excavating the nesting tunnel.The female typically lays a clutch of 6 to 7 white eggs, which both parents incubate for roughly 18 to 21 days. Pairs often raise multiple broods per season (sometimes two to three).
Conservation
The conservation status of the Common Kingfisher is generally considered Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, this does not mean that every local population is free from threats.Key threats include habitat degradation from river engineering, pollution (reducing water clarity and fish stocks), loss of suitable nesting banks, and cold winters that freeze fishing waters.
Source-wikipedia
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