Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Kingfishers hardly need introducing, but they do have a way of making you work for a photograph. These images were made in Rickmansworth on an overcast day in December, which suited the subject well - soft light, muted surroundings, and just enough colour from the bird itself. They are such small, bright flashes of movement that even when you know one is about, nothing feels guaranteed. When it does all come together, though, very little else in British wildlife photography looks quite as striking.
Description
The Common Kingfisher is a bright, colourful bird, easy to recognise by its electric blue upper feathers and orange underside. It is about the size of a sparrow, with a sharp black beak, short red legs, and a short tail. The bright blue and green feathers shine in the sunlight. It has a clear white patch on its throat and markings around its neck. This bird lives throughout most of England, Wales, and Ireland, with some groups in southern Scotland. It is found near slow-moving rivers, streams, canals, and lakes where the water is clear and there are plants hanging over the edges. It needs steep banks to dig tunnels for its nests. You will usually see the kingfisher sitting still on low branches over the water or flying quickly along the water’s edge with fast wingbeats. It dives headfirst into the water to catch small fish and water insects. Often, you will hear its sharp, high-pitched whistle before you see the bird.
Vital statistics
Body length
16 - 17 cm
Weight
34 - 46 g
Wingspan
24 - 26 cm
- Fish70%
- Insects20%
- Other Invertebrates10%