Alcedo atthis - Common Kingfisher
Feather characters. Barbules are rather short (0.9-1.0 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Both vase-shaped and slightly thickened nodes are present. Nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (23-26 per mm). Proximal nodes are vase-shaped, they gradually decrease into slightly thickened nodes distally. Villi are absent and internodes are occasionally kinked. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum.
Field characters. Size 17 cm. Weight 27 g (23-33) (Dunning, 1993). A small, compact and colourful bird with a relatively large head and bill. Head, neck, tail and upperparts are brilliant cobalt-blue (head is finely barred with dark blue), immediate vicinity of eye black, ear-patch chestnut, sides of neck and throat white, underparts orange-chestnut, legs red. Male has all dark bill, female has dark horn-brown upper mandible and orange-red lower mandible. Plumage of juvenile is less brilliant than adult's: upperparts and head have a distinct olivaceous wash, chest and breast have blue-grey wash. Flight is very rapid with whirring wing-beats. Dashes over water close to surface, with great variation in speed and sudden jerks in a different direction. Flight-action is reminiscent of hummingbird's. Perches quietly on branch over water surface in search of prey. When prey is within range, plunges down suddenly.
Voice. A variety of twittering noises, notably a shrill and very well audible (although not loud) "chree", "chichi" or similar renderings. Courtship song is a melodious amalgamation of warbling and whistling noises.
Distribution. A fairly rare resident or migrant of the middle latitudes; Polish and Russian populations migrate westwards during winter, others are resident. Due to pollution and during severe winters, numbers are decreasing. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Found wherever shallow, clear, gently flowing water with enough fish, cover and waterside perches are available. Especially during breeding season, freshwater is preferred over salt or brackish water; the presence of soft but firm banks in which a nest-tunnel can be dug are a prerequisite.
Food. Mainly small freshwater fish, but -especially outside breeding season- also some aquatic insects and marine fish. Rarely aquatic invertebrates and terrestrial insects.