The common kingfisher is a small, dazzlingly coloured bird of rivers and lakes across Europe and Asia. It is often seen as a flash of electric blue speeding low over the water.
Interesting facts
- Its brilliant blue colour comes from the structure of its feathers, not from blue pigment.
- It dives from a perch into the water to catch fish.
- Kingfishers dig nest tunnels up to about a metre long in riverbanks.
- They must eat about half their body weight in fish each day.
- Harsh winters that freeze rivers can kill many kingfishers.
- They often beat fish against a branch before swallowing them head first.
Behaviour
Kingfishers are solitary and territorial. They perch quietly over water, then dive to catch fish, and are fast, direct fliers.
Breeding and young
Pairs dig tunnels in riverbanks and lay five to seven eggs in a chamber at the end. They may raise two or three broods a year.
Threats and conservation
Water pollution, loss of riverbank nesting sites, disturbance and severe winters.
Where to see it
- Rivers and lakes across Britain and Europe
- Norfolk Broads, England
- Chitwan National Park, Nepal
- Keoladeo National Park, India
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
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