Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) are large-headed, short-tailed birds that dive for fish, which they catch with their long sharp beaks. They perch motionless in the open on trees or posts, near water. Their legs are very short. Their nest is actually a deep burrow dug into a steep bank where they usually lay 3-8 white eggs.

The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) is about 13 inches (with a wingspan of between 19–23 inches) and is the only Kingfisher found in North America. They are slate blue above and white below. They have a white collar and the females have a rust bellyand flanks. They are common and very noticeable along rivers and brooks, ponds and lakes and estuaries, where they spend their time catching fish. In addition to fish they also eat amphibians, insects, small mammals, small crustaceans and reptiles.They are solitary except during the nesting season. The call is a loud, dry rattle.

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis) is about 6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 10 inches. This Kingfisher has a wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. As with all Kingfishers, the diet is primarily fish. It has blue upperparts and orange underparts with a long bill. The image at left is the Common Kingfisher finger puppet made by Folkmanis. Check the Jeannie's Cottage gift shop to see if this is available: www.jeanniescottage.com.

Class: Aves | Order: Coraciiformes | Family: Cerylidae | Species: Megaceryle alcyon