Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a stocky, prominent bird with a large head, shaggy crest, and long, heavy, pointed bill. It is famous for its rattling call and hovering hunting style above water.

Striking and clean bicolor pattern featuring a stark white distal band abruptly meeting a deep, dark slate-gray or blue-gray proximal section.

Strongly pennaceous through the visible colored portions, creating a tightly interlocked and smooth surface, with a slight plumulaceous base.

Smooth, firm, and glossy texture with waterproof qualities suited for a bird that frequently dives into water.

Sharp, clean demarcation between pure white and dark slate-gray coloration on a rigid, medium-sized contour feather.

Found near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and marine estuaries.

Widely distributed across North America, breeding across Canada and the northern/central US, wintering in the southern US, Mexico, and northern South America.

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

Other waterbirds or small raptors, but the specific slate-blue and white block coloration is distinctively kingfisher.

Unlike many songbirds, female Belted Kingfishers are more brightly colored than males, featuring a distinct rusty belly band.

Good condition, fresh with intact barbs and minimal wear, showing no visible parasitic damage or bleaching.