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Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a striking bird known for its distinctive blue-gray plumage and impressive fishing skills. Found along the shores of lakes and rivers, this mid-sized bird is easily recognized by its loud, rattling call and dramatic high-speed dives into the water to catch fish.

Identification and Similar Species

To identify the Belted Kingfisher, observe its long and robust bill. The plumage is grey in females and nearly blue in males on the back, with a white front. Females are distinguished by an additional brown band. Their fishing strategy involves perching on a branch and executing high-speed dives to catch fish, which is a distinctive behavior.

Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings

I have observed Belted Kingfishers in Park Angrignon and Rapids Park Lachine. Although they are frequently seen in urban parks, these birds remain shy and will often move to a different branch with an intense chatter if humans approach too closely.

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-05-04