Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon · Kingfishers
The Belted Kingfisher is a distinctive, medium-sized water bird recognized by its shaggy crest and dagger-like bill. Often heard before seen, its rattling call announces its presence along waterways. This species is unique among many birds for its more colorful female plumage.
Explore the full field guideAquatic, migratory, vocal, pisResident, dives, rattles, eats
654 calls·first heard Jun 28·last 11h ago
When it's heardpeak 8a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- A shaggy, often spiky crest on the head gives a top-heavy appearance.
- Powdery blue-gray back and wings, with white underparts and a white collar.
- Males have a single blue-gray band across the white breast.
- Females have both a blue-gray and a rusty or chestnut band across the breast.