Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

Classification

  • Birds

Conservation Status

  • The rattling call of a belted kingfisher in flight can be heard along many rivers and streams across the Cumberland River Basin. 
  • Kingfishers dive headfirst into waterways to hunt for fish. 
  • Kingfishers will also dive headfirst into a waterway to escape from hawks. 
  • The species nests in excavated stream banks and will share its tunnels with swallows. Tunnels are sloped uphill, which may allow baby birds to survive floods.

About this site

The Cumberland River Basin project aims to promote the ecological and economical health of the Cumberland River Basin, an 18,000 square mile region that stretches across 70 Tennessee and Kentucky counties and home to more than 2 million people. 

Photography

A majority of the photography featured on this site was provided courtesy of Chuck Sutherland. For more information please visit Chuck’s website.

Facebook Instagram

The Cumberland River Compact works to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education, restoration, and collaboration. Learn more by visiting cumberlandrivercompact.org.