Belted Kingfisher

Appearance:

Length: 11–14 in
Weight: 4.0-6.3
Wingspan: 19–23 in

The belted kingfisher is a stocky, top heavy bird that stands in statue between a Robin and a Crow. These ragged-crested birds are a powdery blue-gray; males have one blue band across the white breast, while females have a blue and a chestnut band. The Belted Kingfisher is one of the few bird species in which the female is more brightly colored than the male.

Habitat:

They can be found thoughout the state patroling the edges of rivers, lakes, and streams. It nests in burrows along earthen banks and feeds almost entirely on aquatic prey, diving to catch fish and crayfish with its heavy, straight bill.

Behavior:

Possibly of the most annoying birds I've ever photographed. They are very skittish and have incrediblly good eye-sight. As soon as I spot one it would fly away with a piercing, almost mocking, rattal of a call.

Fun Fact:

The Belted Kingfisher was selected as the signature species for the North Alabama Birding Trail and its image is found on the trail logo, signs, guides and webpages.