Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

Classification

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.