Kingfisher

Scientific name: Alcedo atthis

Blink and you may miss the fantastic kingfisher! This beautiful bird is easy to recognise thanks to its bright blue and metallic copper colours. It darts along the riverbank or sits patiently on a low branch over the water waiting for its next meal to swim by.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 15-17cm
Wingspan: 25cm
Weight: 40g
Average lifespan: 2 years

Conservation status

Classified in the UK as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

When to see

January to December

About

The kingfisher is a colourful bird of rivers and streams. It can be spotted sitting quietly on low-hanging branches over the water, suddenly diving in to catch a small fish. Kingfishers live in burrow-like nests near lakes and other waterways, choosing a perfect spot for fishing!

How to identify

The striking mix of its bright-blue back and metallic copper breast make the kingfisher unmistakable. Males have an entirely black bill, females have an orangey-red patch at the base.

In our area

Kingfisher's can be spotted (if you are lucky!) on many of our Shropshire waterways. It is important to ensure our rivers are healthy to ensure they can provide food and cover for wildlife such as the kingfisher. Our Rivers Team carry out several projects across the county that monitor and aim to improve the quality of our blue network. Find out more here.

Distribution

Widespread, but absent from northern Scotland.

Habitats

Did you know?

There are about 90 species of kingfisher around the world, most of which have brightly coloured plumage. The Australian kingfisher - the familiar, laughing kookaburra - is the heaviest of all the kingfisher species.