It’s Good To Be King

Written By: William McReynolds - Highlands Plateau Audubon Society | Issue: 2021/03 – March | Photograph By: William McReynolds

This large colorful bird can be seen year-round on our Plateau. The stocky adult reaches a length of 11-14 inches with a large head, shaggy crest, large protruding bill, blue dorsal plumage, white belly, rufous chest band, and black wingtips with white spots spreading to 20 inches. 

Its distinct image graces the $5 note in Canada. 

Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) are found across North America. Some breed in Canada during summer months and migrate to the lower 48 for the winter, extending down into Mexico and Central America. Others live all year widely distributed across the continental U.S., limited by available unfrozen lakes and ponds containing small fish. 

Their habitat is ponds and lakes, streams and estuaries, preferably near wooded areas. They characteristically hover above the surface of the water or occupy favored perching branches or poles near water where they spot small fish below and dive down, head first, to nab their prey. They frequently return to the same spotting perch when on the hunt. Their diet includes small fish, water bugs, frogs, insects and lizards.  

Unusual in avifauna, the female Belted Kingfisher is more colorful than the male. He courts her in all her beauty by bringing her food. If the pair bond is made, the male and female share all the nesting duties. The two excavate a long burrow, a mostly horizontal tunnel near water’s edge running up to six-feet and holding the nest. There, underground, five to eight eggs are incubated by both parents for 22-24 days. The chicks leave the burrow after four weeks of dual parental care. Some males take the lead in feeding the chicks. The couple might raise two broods in a breeding season.

This widespread but uncommon visitor is easily recognized by its distinctive call in flight. The loud, rapid trill is less a note than a long rising rattle: chrrrrrrRRRRRR. If you hear this call near water and can follow the bird in flight, you might have a good look at it after it lands on its spotting perch. If it leaves the perch, stay fixed on the spot as the kingfisher is likely to return to the same branch, pole or wire. 

Happy March Birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.

The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them. HPAS is a 501(c)(3) organization, a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org for information on membership and all activities.