Saturday, 7 May 2011

Kingfisher in the Spring Sunshine

Kingfisher Latin Name: Alcedo atthis


Kingfishers are on the Amber list. Kingfishers are small unmistakable bright blue and orange birds of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly, low over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. They are a vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses. Kingfishers are amber listed because of their unfavourable conservation status in Europe.

Where to see them

They are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north but following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers are found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may visit garden ponds if of a suitable size.

3 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful bird, really lovely capture!

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  2. Hello,

    Kingfishers are a group of small to medium sized brightly coloured birds in the order coraciiformes. They have a cosmopolitan distribution, with most species being found in the old world and Australia. Thanks a lot!

    Wildlife Photographer

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  3. Really nice shot. Great blog too. Thanks – Tim

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