Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized waterbird easily recognized by its large head, shaggy crest, long heavy bill, and distinctive blue-grey plumage. This feather exhibits the classic slate-blue and white contrasting pattern found in their upper plumage, highlighting the bird's striking camouflage adapted for life near water.

Striking bicolored pattern featuring a dark slate-blue/grey base and a crisp, sharply demarcated bright white terminal tip

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure at the distal end with a distinct contrasting white tip, transitioning to a softer plumulaceous base

Smooth, slightly glossy, water-resistant texture typical of semi-aquatic birds that spend time diving for fish

Sharp, clean demarcation between dark slate-blue/grey and bright white at the feather tip, characteristic of upper body or covert feathers of the Belted Kingfisher

Near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, and marine coasts where small fish are abundant

Widespread across North America, breeding throughout Alaska, Canada, and the United States, and wintering in the southern US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

Acts as an important apex predator for small aquatic life in freshwater and coastal ecosystems, serving as an indicator of aquatic ecosystem health

Other water-associated medium birds, though the distinct slate-blue and bright white tip combination is highly diagnostic for the Belted Kingfisher within its range

Unlike many songbird species, female Belted Kingfishers are more brightly colored than males, featuring a distinctive chestnut belly band alongside the blue-grey chest band

Excellent condition with intact barbs, clean edges, and no visible wear, fading, or parasitic damage