Common Kingfisher Facts
Alcedo atthis
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
Common Kingfisher Facts at a Glance
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.
It belongs to the family Alcedinidae in the order Coraciiformes. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.
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?
Common Kingfishers have a carnivore diet that includes Small fish and aquatic invertebrates. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.
Common Kingfisher Lifespan, Size, and Weight
Common Kingfishers typically live for 6–7 years. Adults measure about 16–17 cm and weigh around 34–46 g; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.
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.
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Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.