Female Belted Kingfisher: A Fishing Expert

The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a fascinating bird species known for its incredible fishing skills and distinctive appearance. These birds are a common sight along rivers, lakes, and coastal areas across North America. In this blog post, we'll dive into the life of a female belted kingfisher, her fishing techniques, and the feeding habits of this remarkable bird.

The Life of a Female Belted Kingfisher

Female belted kingfishers are easily recognizable by their striking blue-gray plumage, white underparts, and a characteristic blue "belt" across their chest. Unlike many bird species, female belted kingfishers are more colorful than their male counterparts, sporting an additional rust-colored band on their belly. These birds are solitary creatures, often found perched on branches or wires near water bodies, surveying the surroundings for their next meal.

Fishing Techniques

Fishing is a vital part of the belted kingfisher's life, and the female is no exception. With keen eyesight and lightning-fast reflexes, the belted kingfisher is a master at catching fish. 

Perch and Scan: The female belted kingfisher finds a vantage point near the water's edge and patiently scans the water for signs of fish.

Hovering: Once she spots a potential target, she hovers if needed, beating her wings rapidly to maintain position. This allows her to focus on the fish below.

Diving: With a swift and precise dive, she plunges into the water, beak first, to catch the fish. Her beak and head are adapted to minimize splash and reduce resistance in the water.

Catching and Returning: After capturing the fish, she quickly returns to her perch and skillfully maneuvers the fish to be swallowed head-first.

Note: This sequence of the Belted Kingfisher catching the fish lasted approximately five seconds.

Feeding Habits

Belted kingfishers primarily feed on fish, but their diet includes other aquatic creatures such as crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. They are opportunistic feeders and take advantage of whatever prey is available in their habitat.

Fish: Small fish make up the majority of their diet. They prefer fish less than 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length, which they can easily handle and swallow.

Crustaceans: Crayfish and other small crustaceans are also a part of their diet, providing essential nutrients and variety.

Amphibians: Frogs and tadpoles are occasionally consumed, especially when fish are less abundant.

Insects: Aquatic insects such as dragonfly nymphs and beetles are a valuable food source, particularly during the breeding season when the demand for food is high.

The female belted kingfisher is a remarkable bird, showcasing incredible fishing skills and adaptability in her feeding habits. Her keen eyesight, precision diving, and versatile diet make her a master of the waterways. 

The next time you observe a belted kingfisher, take a moment to admire the skill and beauty of this remarkable bird as it goes about its daily routine.

Happy birdwatching! 🐦

Note: Captured from 150' at 600 MM

Guemes Island, WA

2.18.2025

© Chris LeBoutillier