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| Kingfisher - Alcedo at this |
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The Kingfisher is an exotic jewel like bird that's found by small rivers & streams in UK. Widespread in central & southern England, less common in the north & Scotland. They can be seen flying low over the water and diving head first into the water for fish. |
| Indentification |
| Adult |
is small, fast moving, brightly coloured bird. The Kingfisher's upper body is bright blue - green with a vivid blue rump. Their under parts are bright orange - red in colour. Its crown is blue barred black as are its wings. It has a white throat and neck nape. |
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| Size |
15-16cm |
| Bill |
black, straight and thin. |
| Legs |
red & short |
| Habitat |
The Kingfisher is found by fresh water. Small slow moving rivers and streams are its preference but they have been seen to move to larger rivers & marshes when foods scarce. |
| Behaviour |
dives from the air, flies low over water, perches openly, takes off & lands from vegetation. |
| Flocking |
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| Flight |
direct, ariel dive. |
| Voice |
metallic chee, chee - kee, often rapidly repeated. |
| Breeding |
| Nest |
holes in the river/stream bank |
| Eggs |
lays 6 - 7 eggs, white. |
| Incubation period |
19 - 21 days |
| Fledgling |
23 - 27 days |
| Broods |
2; April - June. |
| Food |
small fish & insects. |
| UK breeding pairs |
3,600 - 6,000 |
| Selection of popular products |
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