Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized waterbird with a large head, shaggy crest, and a long, stout, pointed black bill. Its plumage is predominantly blue-gray above with a white collar and underparts, making it a familiar and vocal sight along waterways.

Striking slate-blue or bluish-gray base transitioning sharply to a pristine white tip, creating a distinct bicolored appearance

Pennaceous vane structure with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, showing intact and healthy barb condition

Smooth, slightly glossy, and water-repellent surface typical of semi-aquatic birds

Distinctive slate-blue upper coloration sharply contrasted with a clean white tip and sturdy shaft construction

Found near shores of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and estuaries across North America

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

Acts as an important apex predator for small fish in aquatic ecosystems and serves as an ecological health indicator

Other blue-colored medium birds such as Blue Jays, though kingfisher feathers lack the intense barring and crest texture of jays

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

Good condition, showing minimal wear, intact barbs, and no visible fault bars or parasitic damage