Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher ( Megaceryle alcyon ), male
The belted kingfisher ( Megaceryle alcyon ) is a large, conspicuous and noisy kingfisher, which is widespread in the Nearctic. Due to habitat destruction, the number of birds has declined. We distinguish several subspecies.
Appearance
The belted kingfisher reaches a body length of 28 to 35 centimeters. About five centimeters account for the beak. The wingspan is 47 to 52 centimeters. The weight varies 140-170 grams.
The belted kingfisher has a deep blue or blue - gray plumage with white masks, a projecting ridge and a broad white throat patch, which extends around the neck. Belted kingfisher are the only bird species in North America, in which the females are conspicuously colored than the males.
Distribution area
He is the only kingfisher species that occurs in the northern United States and Canada. The breeding range is in inland waters or coasts of Alaska across Canada and into the United States. These birds migrate from the northern parts of its range in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and northern South America. Belted kingfisher are extremely rarely seen in Iceland, Ireland and the UK.
Way of life
The belted kingfisher lives fundamentally different from fish. Insofar as these but not in sufficient quantity, it will also eat crustaceans, mollusks, insects, small rodents and even berries.
The nest is dug into a sand bank or river bank. The nest consists of five to eight eggs. Both parents dig the tunnel, incubate the eggs and feed the young.