Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Quick answer
The common kingfisher is a small, vividly colored bird with electric-blue upperparts and orange underparts, found along rivers and streams across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It hunts by perching above water and diving headfirst to catch small fish. Fast and territorial, common kingfishers usually live only a few years in the wild.
Common Kingfisher facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Alcedo atthis |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (small fish, aquatic insects) |
| Habitat | Rivers, streams, lakes, canals |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years in the wild |
| Weight | 34–46 g (1.2–1.6 oz) |
| Top speed | Around 40 km/h (25 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
Behavior and hunting
The common kingfisher perches on a low branch over clear, slow-moving water and watches for prey before plunging in headfirst to seize a fish. It can adjust for the way light bends at the water's surface, striking with remarkable accuracy. Back on its perch, it beats the fish against the branch before swallowing it head-first.
Diet and feeding
Small fish make up most of the kingfisher's diet, supplemented by aquatic insects, tadpoles, and freshwater shrimp. A kingfisher must eat roughly its own body weight in food each day to fuel its active lifestyle. Clear water is essential because the bird hunts entirely by sight.
Habitat and range
Common kingfishers live along rivers, streams, canals, and lakes with clean water and overhanging perches, across much of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They nest in tunnels dug into earth banks beside the water, where both parents raise the young. Birds in colder regions move to ice-free waters or coasts in winter.
Conservation
The common kingfisher is listed as Least Concern, with a very wide range and a large population. Local numbers can drop sharply after harsh winters that freeze their hunting grounds, and they are sensitive to water pollution and the loss of natural riverbanks. Clean rivers and intact banks are important for healthy populations.
Frequently asked questions about the Common Kingfisher
How do kingfishers catch fish?
A common kingfisher watches from a perch above the water, then dives headfirst to grab a fish with its dagger-like bill. It can correct for how light bends at the surface, allowing precise strikes.
What do kingfishers eat?
They eat mainly small fish, along with aquatic insects, tadpoles, and freshwater shrimp. Because they are so active, they need to eat close to their own body weight in food each day.
Where do common kingfishers live?
Common kingfishers live along clean rivers, streams, lakes, and canals across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, nesting in tunnels dug into earth banks beside the water.
Why are kingfishers so brightly colored?
Their blue feathers are produced by the structure of the feathers scattering light rather than by pigment, which creates the shimmering, jewel-like effect. The colors play a role in communication and recognition.
How long do kingfishers live?
Most common kingfishers live only two to four years in the wild. Harsh winters and the dangers faced by young birds keep average lifespans short, though a few survive longer.
Are common kingfishers endangered?
No. The common kingfisher is listed as Least Concern, but local populations can decline after freezing winters or where rivers are polluted or their banks are destroyed.
