Kingfisher

(Alcedo atthis)

Alert Status: Amber – 12% decline

Identifying Features: Kingfishers are small unmistakable bright blue and orange birds of slow moving or still water. 
Average Length: 16-17 cm
Average Lifespan: 2 years
Average Wingspan: 24-26 cm

Beak type: Specialist
 

Feeding:
Natural: Small fish, tadpoles and insects

Nesting: The nest is usually in a tunnel, 30-90 cm (12-36") long, in a bank next to slow-moving water. The tunnel is excavated by both sexes and is not lined with any material.
 

Where to see: Kingfishers are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north. They are found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. Occasionally they may visit garden ponds if of a suitable size.