SPECIES
Common kingfisher
Alcedo atthis Pending authority citation
A flash of electric blue across a stream often marks this river bird.
A kingfisher waits on a perch before plunging for small fish.
It nests in tunnels in earthen riverbanks, connecting breeding with healthy watercourses.
Freshwaters across much of Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Where does a common kingfisher live?
Freshwaters across much of Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Worth knowing
- Adaptation A kingfisher waits on a perch before plunging for small fish.
- Ecological role It nests in tunnels in earthen riverbanks, connecting breeding with healthy watercourses.
- Home Freshwaters across much of Europe, Asia and North Africa.
How it survives
A kingfisher waits on a perch before plunging for small fish.
A flash of electric blue across a stream often marks this river bird.
Why relationships matter
It nests in tunnels in earthen riverbanks, connecting breeding with healthy watercourses.
Where it lives
Freshwaters across much of Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Pressures and responses
River engineering, pollution and harsh local winter conditions.
Restore vegetated riverbanks and water quality.
Sources
- University of Michigan Museum of Zoology — Animal Diversity Web, Alcedo atthis
- GBIF — Alcedo atthis accepted taxon
- RSPB — Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
- British Trust for Ornithology — Kingfisher facts
Records of where it has been seen come live from GBIF; observed interactions from GloBI. Draft — not yet reviewed by a person.