Belted Kingfisher

Blue-gray upperparts, a shaggy crest, a broad white collar around the neck, and a white belly. Females uniquely have a rusty-brown band across the lower breast below a blue-gray band, whereas males have only the single blue-gray breast band. Juveniles resemble adults but may show rusty spotting on the breast band.

Large dark bill, shaggy crest, blue-gray head and back, white collar, and the female's distinctive rusty breast band.

Length: 28-35 cm (11-14 in), Wingspan: 48-58 cm (19-23 in), Weight: 140-170 g (4.9-6.0 oz)

A loud, harsh, metallic rattling call that sounds like a spinning fishing reel, typically given in flight.

Primarily fish, supplemented by aquatic insects, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, and occasionally small mammals or berries. Forages by plunge-diving headfirst into water from a perch.

Near bodies of water including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, estuaries, and marine coasts with earthen banks suitable for nesting.

Partial migrant. Northern populations migrate south for the winter where waters remain unfrozen, while coastal and southern populations are year-round residents.

Excavates a horizontal tunnel up to several feet long in a vertical dirt bank near water. Lays 5 to 8 white eggs in a chamber at the end of the tunnel. Both parents incubate and feed the young.

In North America, it is unmistakable due to its large crest and blue-gray plumage. In other regions, other kingfishers like the Ringed Kingfisher are much larger and have extensive chestnut underparts.

Acts as an indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems and helps regulate small fish populations.

Least Concern, with stable to slightly declining populations.

Look for them perched on branches, utility wires, or docks overlooking rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They are easily spooked, so approach slowly and use binoculars.

Unlike many songbirds where males are more brightly colored, female Belted Kingfishers are more colorful than the males due to their rusty chest band. They can tunnel up to 6 feet deep into earthen banks to build their nests.