A common kingfisher perched on a branch in England — Photo: Tony Wood · CC BY 2.0

Bird

Common Kingfisher Facts Alcedo atthis

BirdEurope, Asia, and North AfricaCarnivore

Common kingfishers are compact blue-and-orange birds that hunt along slow rivers and lakes. They watch from low perches before diving headfirst to catch small fish.

Habitat: Freshwater
Diet: Small fish and aquatic invertebrates
Lifespan: 6–7 years

Classification

Family: Alcedinidae. Order: Coraciiformes.

Common Kingfisher Habitat

Common Kingfishers live in Freshwater and Wetland habitats. Their recorded range includes Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Common Kingfishers Eat?

Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: Small fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Common Kingfisher Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Recorded lifespan: 6–7 years. Recorded size: 16–17 cm. Recorded weight: 34–46 g.

Common Kingfisher Conservation Status

Common Kingfisher is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region: Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Habitat: Freshwater, Wetland
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 6–7 years
Size: 16–17 cm
Weight: 34–46 g

Fun facts

Their blue feathers contain microscopic structures that scatter light rather than blue pigment.
A third transparent eyelid protects the eyes during underwater dives.
They nest in tunnels excavated into vertical riverbanks.
Young birds have paler feet and duller plumage than adults.