Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Female Belted Kingfisher by Val Lee

I shot this little colorful avis at Albertson’s Park in Boise, Idaho about two week ago.  In the fall and winter, when my husband and I stroll through this park, we distinctly hear the calls of this minute Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). Its soaring cries are definitely not of a quiet nature.  It always seems to proclaim an ear-biting sound when it is whirling over the waters trying to locate its delectable next meal. It might be saying, keep out of my way, I am fishing. 

This angler has to possess excellent water depth vision, as I never see those bite size fish schooling in the waters. My, oh my, isn’t God wonderful to create all that is needed for the critter world? 

The Kingfisher is usually quiet when perched, but this is not often as it is mostly on the go. When I see it on a limb, it often is displaying his work ethic—a squirming, tiny finned morsel in it dagger-like beak. Proverbs addresses the importance of being a diligent worker and the Kingfisher certainly can represent this as well as the ant. This bird keeps his belly full by laboring diligently. He sets up his home where the fish are plentiful, along rivers, lakes and saltwater estuaries. He is very wise, implementing his God given talents. 

Belted Kingfisher by Val Lee

This species invokes me to relive past years, as this soaring, strong, petite colorful wonder is truly a king fisherman. He always snatches his desired catch.  When I was growing up in Portland, Oregon, we had a dear and faithful neighbor, Ernie. Our family would camp and fish with this talented friend.  He was part Indian and very impressive as a tall, strong, agile, and handsome man. He knew the Oregon mountain wilderness thoroughly as he dared to venture in the rugged high country. He created his own paths in his younger years.  He could hunt and fish like no other.  Those beautiful rainbow trout would always bite for him, even when they were not interested in anyone else’s hook.  He was an amazing angler just like the Kingfisher. 

Belted Kingfisher (female) by Val Lee

There are about 90 species of Kingfisher and the belted can be located in most every state in the US. All Kingfishers own large heads, long, sharp, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Differing species are located throughout the world. 

This mite-sized bird has a gray-bluish back and white belly. Its crest hair is shaggy and stands up on end, a bit  like a Cardinal. However, the Cardinal’s crest is perfect. The Kingfisher’s is more hairy and unkempt. It looks like it needs to be combed. Of course, most fishermen don’t care that much how their hair looks. 

It is amazing that Jesus Christ made the female Kingfisher to be more colorful than the male. This is most unusual. She interestingly nests in a tunnel, ranging in length from 1 to 8 feet. It is built in a dirt or gravel bank near a water source. The tunnel slopes upward to prevent flooding within the nesting site. She lays between five and eight white eggs. 

Belted Kingfisher facts: 

• Length: 12 inches
• Large, short-legged, big-headed, big-billed bird
• Hovers over water and dives headfirst into water in pursuit of fish
• Slate blue head, with white spot near lores
• White chin, throat and neck
• Slate blue breastband
• Slate blue back and upperwing coverts with small white spots
• Slate blue tail with numerous dark and light bands
• Males own an entirely white belly.
• Female owns white underparts with reddish belly band extending down flanks

My video of the Belted Kingfisher:

Check out the Kingfisher pages with Photos, Videos, and Links to Kingfisher Sites.
See more at Val’s Looking Glass.