Home, near and far.
Breeds across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States. Winters from the southern U.S. through Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America, including the Galápagos Islands.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
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.
Aquatic, migratory, vocal, pisResident, dives, rattles, eats
- Length
- 28-35 cm
- Wingspan
- 48-58 cm
- Weight
- 113-178 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Crest
A shaggy, often spiky crest on the head gives a top-heavy appearance.
- 02
Plumage
Powdery blue-gray back and wings, with white underparts and a white collar.
- 03
Breast Band (Male)
Males have a single blue-gray band across the white breast.
- 04
Breast Bands (Female)
Females have both a blue-gray and a rusty or chestnut band across the breast.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
Found along clear freshwater and saltwater bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and estuaries. Requires perches for hunting and vertical earthen banks for nesting burrows.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Northern populations are migratory, moving south for winter to areas where water remains unfrozen. Southern populations may be year-round residents.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
A loud, distinctive, dry, and penetrating rattling call, often given in flight or when disturbed.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Primarily consumes fish, including sticklebacks, trout, and mummichogs. Also eats crayfish, other crustaceans, mollusks, insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, young birds, and occasionally berries.
Hunts from a perch overlooking clear water or by hovering. Dives headfirst into the water to catch prey with its strong bill. Returns to a perch to stun larger prey before swallowing it whole, headfirst.
A place to begin.
Nests in burrows excavated into vertical earthen banks, typically near water. Both sexes dig the tunnel, which slopes upward to prevent flooding and ends in an unlined chamber.
The little routines.
Generally solitary outside of the breeding season. Pairs defend their nesting and foraging territories vigorously, often rattling noisily at intruders.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
Female Belted Kingfishers are more brightly colored than males, a rare trait among bird species.
Nestlings have acidic stomachs that allow them to digest fish bones and scales, a capability that changes as they mature.
The scientific name *Megaceryle alcyon* has roots in Greek mythology, referring to Halcyone, who was transformed into a kingfisher.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Ringed Kingfisher
Megaceryle torquataLarger overall with a more extensive rufous belly and breast band in both sexes.
Green Kingfisher
Chloroceryle americanaSignificantly smaller with a green back and flanks, and a less prominent crest.
Pied Kingfisher
Ceryle rudisFound in the Old World, it is black and white with a shaggier crest and lacks the blue-gray plumage.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.