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Project Noah Nature School
Megaceryle alcyon
Belted Kingfishers are stocky, large-headed birds with a shaggy crest on the top and back of the head and a straight, thick, pointed bill. Their legs are short and their tails are medium length and square-tipped. These kingfishers are powder blue above with fine, white spotting on the wings and tail. The underparts are white with a broad, blue breast band. Females also have a broad rusty band on their bellies. Juveniles show irregular rusty spotting in the breast band.
Rural - open farmland With small streams and ponds.
It was a cold and overcast day. I was out driving, looking for raptors and was quiet surprised to see this little guy on a wire. She didn't stay long. As she took flight she chattered franticly, almost as if she was telling me off! She was a cute little thing though! I think this is a female belted kingfisher. Does anyone see it differently?
Spotted on Dec 15, 2012
Submitted on Dec 15, 2012
5 Comments
Thanks Jon! It's the only picture that came out from Friday! I think this is a female or a juvenile due to the rusty feathers. However, I'm not sure either!
Did you see the Merlin I got?! My photo is blurry but I'm still excited we saw the little guy!
Love the oversized head and attitude. Don't know males from females, though.
Thank you Evelyn! This was a very lucky spotting!
Thank you Christy! This is the only one from the day that came out!
This one turned out beautifully!! Great shot!! ;-)
They are georgous birds! Ive been after one in my area for 2 years now, so darn elusive, I have not been able to get a decent shot!