Overview

The common kingfisher is a jewel of British waterways: compact, vivid, and impossibly fast. Its orange underparts and metallic blue back catch the light like a fishing lure as it flies inches above the surface, then halts on an overhanging branch to watch for minnows below.

Kingfishers nest in burrows they excavate in soft riverbanks, raising two or three broods in a good year. Spotting one requires patience — a turquoise streak crossing a bridge pool, or a telltale whistle as it commutes upstream.

Habitat

Clear, slow-moving rivers, canals, and lake margins with overhanging vegetation and steep muddy banks for nesting. Kingfishers need clean water with enough small fish and aquatic insects to support a territory.

Countries found

Kingfisher in United Kingdom

Interesting facts

01
Kingfishers dive at up to 40 km/h and must hit the water beak-first to avoid breaking bones.
02
Their nest burrows can extend a metre into a riverbank.
03
Each bird must eat its body weight in fish daily in winter.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Kingfishers are Least Concern in the UK but sensitive to river pollution and bank disturbance. Populations fluctuate with harsh winters and ice-covered water.