Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a stocky, prominent bird with a large head, shaggy crest, and a long, stout bill. Known for its loud, rattling call and hovering flight over water before plunging headfirst to catch fish

Distinctive two-tone pattern with a stark white tip and dark slate-gray or blue-gray lower section

Pennaceous structure near the tip transitioning to slightly looser barbs, heavily frayed and separated along the edges

Slender, white-to-light-gray central rachis with dark gray barbs extending outward at a moderate angle

Somewhat stiff yet frayed along the edges, matte finish with typical water-resistant properties

Wing feather, likely a secondary flight feather or upper secondary covert

Distinctive contrasting dark blue-gray and bright white tip coloration unique among small North American water-associated birds

Near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, and marine coasts

Breeds across most of North America, wintering in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

Acts as an important apex predator for small aquatic organisms, serving as an indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems

Other small water-associated birds or kingfisher relatives, though the distinct slate-blue and white coloration is diagnostic

Unlike many songbirds, female Belted Kingfishers are more brightly colored than males, featuring an extra rufous belly band

Historically significant in various Native American mythologies representing abundance, luck, and patience

Look near bodies of water on perches overlooking streams or lake edges where kingfishers hunt

Fair to poor condition with significant fraying, separation of barbs along the edges, and signs of wear