Life List 106
Visually documented
Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
- First photographed
- July 15, 2026
- First location
- Colorado, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Belted Kingfisher portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Megaceryle alcyon
Overview
The Belted Kingfisher is a noisy, top-heavy waterbird that watches from exposed perches before plunging headfirst for fish. It excavates a long nesting tunnel in an earthen bank.
Identification
Large blue-gray head with a shaggy crest, thick dagger-like bill, white collar, and blue-gray breast band. Females are more colorful than males, adding a chestnut belly band and flanks.
Range
Breeds across most of Alaska, Canada, and the United States. Northern birds migrate to ice-free waters in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, estuaries, coastlines, and other clear waters with elevated perches and nearby earthen banks.
Diet
Mostly small fish, supplemented by crayfish, amphibians, aquatic insects, and other small animals.
Photography by Brittany Templin