Facts about the Kingfisher

Kingfishers are tiny, distinctive brilliant blue and orange birds that like calm or slowly flowing water. They fly quickly and low over water, hunting fish from riverbank perches, occasionally hovering above the surface of the water. 

Facts about the Kingfisher

They are vulnerable to harsh winters and habitat deterioration caused by pollution or insensitive watercourse management. Kingfishers have been designated as amber species because to their precarious conservation situation in Europe. Additionally, they are protected as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

WHERE/WHEN DO THEY APPEAR?

Kingfishers are ubiquitous, particularly in central and southern England. They become less frequent farther north, but are gradually expanding their range in Scotland following modest reductions last century. They are found in lowland regions near still or slowly flowing water such as lakes, canals, and rivers. Some individuals migrate to estuaries and the shore throughout the winter. They may occasionally visit backyard ponds of a sufficient size.

A kingfisher preens its feathers up close.