Species Profile
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Kingfisher
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
2–7 years
Length
16–17 cm
Weight
34–46 g
Wingspan
24–26 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Eurasian Kingfisher, River Kingfisher
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Appearance
The Common Kingfisher is a striking small bird with a vibrant blue upper body and wings that contrast with its bright orange underparts. It has a long, dagger-like black bill and short red legs. A white patch on the neck and behind the eyes stands out against the blue plumage.
Males and females are similar, but females can be distinguished by their lower mandible (lower half of the bill), which is orange-red. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, greener plumage and shorter bills.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Red
Female Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Red
Female Markings
Lower mandible orange-red, less vibrant plumage than males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Common Kingfishers inhabit clear, slow-moving freshwater bodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. They require suitable perches overlooking water and earthen banks for nesting. Their range extends across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
They are widespread in the UK but absent from northern Scotland. Some birds migrate south in winter, especially from the northern parts of their range, while others are resident year-round, where waters remain ice-free.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Wales
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Norfolk
West Midlands
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Common Kingfishers primarily feed on small fish, typically up to 7 cm in length, with a maximum of 12 cm. They also consume aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and amphibians.
These birds can consume up to 60% of their body weight daily, often swallowing prey whole after striking it against a branch to stun it. This means that sometimes they can eat over 20 fish a day!
Behaviour
Common Kingfishers are often seen perched motionless on branches overhanging water, scanning for prey. They dive headfirst into the water up to a meter deep to catch fish, returning to their perch to consume their catch. Prey is stunned by dashing it against a hard surface and then swallowed whole.
These birds are typically solitary, fiercely defending their territories, except during the breeding season.
Calls & Sounds
The Common Kingfisher's call is a high-pitched, shrill 'tsee-tsee' or 'peep-peep', often given in flight. When perched, they may emit a softer, whistling 'seep'.
During courtship or aggressive encounters, a series of rapid, high-pitched notes may be heard, resembling a shrill trill.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Common Kingfishers typically begins in late March or early April. Males perform courtship flights and offer fish to females. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season.
Nests are built in vertical riverbanks, with both sexes excavating a tunnel up to 1 meter deep. The tunnel ends in a nesting chamber where 5-7 glossy white eggs are laid.
Incubation lasts 19-21 days, shared by both parents. Chicks fledge after 23-27 days but are fed by parents for another 3-4 days before becoming independent. Pairs often raise 2-3 broods per season.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Common Kingfishers face localised threats from water pollution, habitat loss, and severe winters. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining clean waterways and preserving natural riverbanks.
In the UK, they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Elevation
Up to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and merlins, as well as mammals like minks and domestic cats. Pike and large fish may occasionally catch diving kingfishers.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for a flash of blue near slow-moving rivers, streams, or ponds
- Listen for a high-pitched 'peep' call, often given in flight
- Observe favourite perches, as kingfishers often return to the same spots
- If there is no suitable perch, the kingfisher will hover for several seconds before plunging into the water
- The kingfisher’s back and tail are the palest parts during flight, which is straight and fast and usually seen low over the surface of the water
- In the UK, check along canals and in urban parks with suitable water bodies
Did You Know?
- Kingfishers have a monocular vision in the air but binocular vision underwater, allowing for precise hunting.
- Their feathers contain tiny structures that make them appear more vibrant blue when wet.
- A kingfisher's third eyelid is transparent, acting as 'goggles' when diving.
- Kingfishers have toes that are joined together along part of their length, making a useful shovel with which to excavate nesting tunnels.
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