Specie's Page                                               Kingfishers - Birds of the Waters Edge

European Kingfisher:

UK Status: Resident.

Habitat: This beautiful diver is easily recognizable, not to be mistaken for any other UK bird, even in flight. Often seen hovering above the water, or perched on an overhanging branch, waiting to dive in for a fish, or perhaps a small frog. This bird can be seen by unpolluted canals, streams and rivers, even in suitable urban areas.

Breeding: This bird nests in the banks of rivers and streams. This bird burrows a long tunnel into the river bank, with a slightly larger oval chamber at the end. They lay up to seven eggs per clutch, and usually there are two, or three broods each season. A fresh tunnel and chamber are made for each brood, as the breeding chamber soon pile up with rotting fish bones and debris. Tunnels are so narrow that the adult birds have to shuffle backwards to exit them.

Comment: Most common in south and central England becoming scarcer further north. They are presently extending their range into Scotland. Hard winters and pollution takes it's toll of this delightful bird.