kingfisher

Known for its vibrant colors and specialized diet, the kingfisher is a distinctive inhabitant of aquatic habitats. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the kingfisher's biology and ecology and emphasizes the importance of protecting its habitats and food sources.

kingfisher Products

Profile: kingfisher

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Aves (birds)
    • Order: Coraciiformes (Kingfishers)
    • Family: Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
    • Genus: Alcedo
    • Species: A. atthis (Kingfisher)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 16-17 cm
    • Wingspan: 24-26 cm
    • Weight: 30-45 g
    • Special features: Striking, bright plumage in blue and orange, short, straight beak, short tail.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, Asia, North Africa
    • Habitat: Banks of slow-flowing or standing waters such as rivers, streams, ponds and lakes; requires steep bank walls for the construction of breeding tubes.
    • Adaptability: Relatively specialized to aquatic habitats, therefore strongly dependent on the availability of suitable waters.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Piscivore
    • Typical food: Small fish, but also aquatic insects and their larvae.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Breeding season: spring to summer
    • Nest type: breeding tubes dug into steep river banks.
    • Number of eggs: 5-7 eggs per clutch
    • Incubation period: Approx. 19-21 days
    • Social structure: Usually in pairs, territorial during the breeding season.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 6 years in the wild
    • Endangered status: Endangered due to habitat loss and water pollution; however, conservation measures are being taken to maintain populations.
    • Protection measures: preservation and restoration of natural river banks and water bodies, reduction of water pollution and habitat disturbance.
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