Kingfishers are a vulnerable species due to their low breeding number and habitat loss. Consequently they are protected by law, and afforded Schedule 1 status under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Why is a kingfisher called a kingfisher?
The modern binomial name derives from the Latin alcedo, 'kingfisher' (from Greek ἀλκυών, halcyon), and Atthis, a beautiful young woman of Lesbos, and favourite of Sappho. The genus Alcedo comprises seven small kingfishers that all eat fish as part of their diet.
Where are kingfisher birds found?
Kingfishers breed as far north as northern Alaska and Canada, and these birds migratebirds migrateBirds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations. As winter approaches and the availability of insects and other food drops, the birds move south again.https://www.allaboutbirds.org › news › the-basics-how-why-aThe Basics of Bird Migration: How, Why, and Where | All About Birds south for winter. Belted Kingfishers winter throughout Mexico and Central America to northern Venezuela and Colombia. Of the populations that do migrate, males seem to travel shorter distances than females.
Where do common kingfishers live?
Found along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds—almost any fresh or brackish habitat with small fish. Often perches quietly in trees over water; most often seen in very fast low flight as a turquoise flash over the water, usually flying away.
Is it rare to see a kingfisher?
Despite the Kingfisher being very common in urban areas, they are very rarely spotted at bird feeders, a human interference which can help some species cope with winter food shortages. However, this is very rare and not a sustainable way for Kingfishers to survive the winter.
What is special about kingfisher bird?
All kingfishers have large heads, long, sharp, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Most species have bright plumage with only small differences between the sexes. Most species are tropical in distribution, and a slight majority are found only in forests.
Are kingfishers endangered?
Not extinct
Is kingfisher bird rare in India?
Rare in India, it is sometimes seen in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Northeast. It is listed as Near Threatened by IUCN. A water kingfisher, its habitat ranges across the Himalayas, along large mountain rivers and streams with forested patches.