Photo courtesy of Alan Murphy
MONTGOMERY-Aptly named, the stocky, blue-gray belted kingfisher is 
often seen fishing around lakes, ponds, streams and coasts of Alabama. Kingfishers use a couple of different fishing techniques. One technique is to rest on a perch over or near the water and after spying a fish, hover over the prey until the right moment and then dive into the water. Another technique is to skim along above the surface of the water until food is spotted, and then come to a fluttering stop prior to plunging in and catching the prey. Either way, a kingfisher will return to a favorite perch to eat. Like fishermen, these birds may have times when their prey is elusive and fishing is slow. During these slow times, kingfishers may feed on crayfish, amphibians, aquatic insects or small mammals.
“Belted” refers to the appearance of this colorful bird. Belted kingfishers have a white collar and belly with both males and females having a blue-gray “belt” around the breast. Female birds have an additional chestnut band across the belly extending vertically along the edge of the wing. Both sexes have a shaggy crested head of blue-gray feathers and are blue-gray above on their back and tail. A small white spot is also visible in front of each eye at the base of a black bill.
Kingfishers have several unique characteristics. One identifying trait is the loud, rough, metallic clattering call that is emitted while in flight or even during nest construction. Another trait that distinguishes kingfishers from most birds is reverse sexual dimorphism. This means that the female, with its rusty red belly and sides, is more colorful than the male.
Another peculiar trait is that kingfishers have two toes fused together on each foot. These shovel-like feet are used to 
construct an unusual bird nest. Unlike most birds that build nests in trees, bushes or tufts of grass, kingfishers construct burrows in which to hatch their young. Kingfishers will use their strong, heavy bill to begin construction and then use their feet to complete excavation in a steep bank, usually a couple of feet below ground surface. Burrow entrances are 3 to 4 inches across and burrows generally extend horizontally 4 to 8 feet, with extremes of 15 feet. Nest chambers are somewhat enlarged and are slightly elevated above the entrance tunnel. Nest excavation may take two to three weeks and nests may be used for several seasons. Clutch sizes vary from two to eight eggs with incubation taking about 24 days. Both parents are active participants in the production of young from nest building through fledging.
If you have yet to observe the skilled belted kingfisher at work, you have missed a treat. They are a very interesting and entertaining species.
For more information on kingfishers or other Alabama birds, contact Bruce Todd, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 30571 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort, AL 36527; phone 251-626-5474.
MEDIA RELEASE/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES/Bruce W. Todd, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
