Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized waterbird with a large head, shaggy crest, and a long, stout, pointed bill. It is famous for its rattling call and its habit of perching motionless over water before plunging headfirst to catch fish.

Distinctive alternating dark grayish-brown and white horizontal bars across a pale or buff background, typical of flank or underpart plumage.

Mixed structure featuring a pennaceous distal portion with clearly defined barbs and a plumulaceous (fluffy) base.

Soft and somewhat loose-webbed texture, semi-matte appearance, typical of body contour feathers providing insulation.

Striking alternating dark and light barring on a greyish-brown background with soft, semi-fluffy basal barbs.

Found near streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and estuaries where clear water allows them to spot small fish.

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

Acts as an important apex predator of small aquatic organisms in freshwater ecosystems, serving as an indicator of aquatic health.

Other kingfisher species or certain barred owls and hawks, though size and distinct barring patterns differentiate it.

Unlike many songbird species, female Belted Kingfishers are more brightly colored than males, featuring a rufous belly band in addition to the blue-grey chest band.

Good condition, slightly worn at the tips with intact barring and clean structure.

Along a stream/ Stillwater, floated down from a pine tree, a bird just left the tree and flew upstream