FaunaHub

Kingfisher (family Alcedinidae)

BirdWatersideCarnivore

Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) perched, showing its blue and orange plumage.

Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis).

Image: Alexis Lours, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Kingfishers are small to medium birds of the family Alcedinidae, known for their large heads, long pointed bills, and often dazzling plumage. Many are expert fishers that plunge-dive into water to seize prey. The animal shown here is the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), a brilliant blue-and-orange reference species of Eurasia and North Africa.

Despite the name, not all kingfishers fish: the family is diverse and includes many woodland species that hunt insects and small animals away from water, such as the kookaburras.

Conservation note: many kingfishers are widespread, while some island and forest species are more restricted. Verify a particular species' status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Kingfishers are found across much of the world, especially in the tropics. Fishing species live along clear rivers, streams, lakes, and coasts, while others occupy woodland, savanna, and forest. The common kingfisher favours slow, clear fresh water with perches and earth banks for nesting.

Diet

Diet varies across the family. Waterside species such as the common kingfisher feed mainly on small fish and aquatic invertebrates, caught by diving from a perch or hover. Woodland kingfishers take insects, lizards, and other small animals. Prey is often struck against a perch before being swallowed.

Behavior

Fishing kingfishers typically watch from a perch, then dive in a fast, precise plunge and return to the perch to deal with their catch. Many are territorial along stretches of water. Most nest in tunnels excavated in earth banks or in tree cavities. Their flight is often a low, fast, direct dash over the water.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Kingfishers are popular with birdwatchers and are sensitive indicators of clean water in the case of fishing species. Water pollution, bank modification, and habitat loss are the main pressures for some species. For current status, consult authoritative sources such as the IUCN Red List.

More photos of the kingfisher

Common kingfisher perched on a branch over water.

Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis).

Image: Frank-2.0, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Kingfisher

Do all kingfishers eat fish?
No. Although the most famous kingfishers are fish-eating divers, the family is diverse, and many species live in woodland and savanna where they hunt insects, lizards, and other small animals rather than fish. The kookaburras are well-known non-fishing kingfishers.
How do kingfishers catch fish?
Fishing kingfishers usually watch from a perch above the water, then dive in a fast, accurate plunge to grab prey with the bill. They often return to a perch and strike the fish against it before swallowing it head-first.
Where do kingfishers nest?
Many kingfishers nest in tunnels they dig into earth banks near water, while others use natural tree cavities or termite mounds, depending on the species.
Why are kingfishers so colourful?
Much of the kingfisher's brilliant blue comes from the microscopic structure of the feathers scattering light, rather than from pigment alone. The bright colours play a role in signalling and recognition.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.