Kingfisher Bird Facts | Alcedo Atthis

How to identify

Kingfishers are small unmistakable bright blue and orange birds of slow-moving or still water. They fly rapidly, low over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. They're vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or poor management of watercourses. They are also listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, offering them additional protection.

Call

Kingfisher

Marco Dragonetti / xeno-canto

Protect Our Birds, Defend Our Nature

The vibrant azure and copper feathers of the Kingfisher make them one of the UK’s most colourful and instantly recognisable birds. But blink and you’ll miss them – they dart along rivers and streams at high speeds. RSPB nature reserves and our care-taking teams provide safe wetland havens for these special birds and their fishy prey, all year around including at Lakenheath Fen in Suffolk, Rye Meads in Hertfordshire, Fairburn Ings in West Yorkshire, or Old Moor in Barnsley.

Protect Our Birds, Defend Our Nature - Donate