Get To Know The Kingfisher
Even though Kingfishers are small, they are unmistakable with their bright blue and orange bodies and their unique hunting style. You can find them near slow-moving or still water where they hunt for fish and insects. Look for them in riverside perches, flying low over the water, or hovering over the surface of the water.
Key Facts
Scientific Name: Alcedo atthis
Bird Family: Kingfishers
Diet: Fish and aquatic (water) insects
Population: Global population- 1 million
Measurements: Length: 16-17 cm/ Wingspan: 24-26 cm/ Weight: 34-46 g
Conservation Status and Threats
Although Kingfishers are green-listed in the UK. The main threats to Kingfishers are harsh winters and habitat degradation. Pollution and agricultural run-off can also affect the fish that Kingfishers rely on.
Human disturbance can threaten Kingfishers and their chicks. However, Kingfishers are a nationally protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to harm them, their active nest burrows, or their eggs.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
Kingfishers begin to pair off for breeding in February. The pair make a nest burrow in the stone-free vertical sand of a stream bank. They lay 6 to 7 eggs in late March or early April that hatch after 19 to 21 days of incubation. They stay in the nest for 24 to 37 days, where the parents feed each chick 12 to 18 fish each day.
When and Where to See Them
Kingfishers can be found throughout the UK, with higher numbers in central and southern England. You can find them near still or slow-moving water of lakes, canals, or rivers in lowland areas. During the winter, you may find some Kingfishers near the coast or estuaries. A large garden pond may be an attraction for a Kingfisher.
How You Can Help
You can help the Kingfisher thrive by using recycling programs that decrease pollution and by supporting the RSPB.
Volunteer: RSPB Volunteering Program
Donate: RSPB Donation Page
About The Artist
Peter is a Canadian illustrator based in Vienna, Austria. Peter has had the pleasure of working with clients around the world in publishing, editorial, and advertising. Peter grew up in Canada and studied Fine Arts at NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Peter’s work has been exhibited in Europe, North America, Australia, and China. Peter’s work has also been featured on websites like Juxtapoz, Comics Alliance, and Squidface & The Meddler; as well as being published in books by Taschen and Die Gestalten; and the Eisner-award winning Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream. Peter has been honored with medals from Society Of Illustrators New York, 3×3, Society Of Illustrators LA, Illustrative and Autori Di Immagini.
Website: www.peterdiamond.ca
Instagram: @peter_diamond_art
About Our Partner
The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, working locally in the UK, and around the world. Our vision is a shared world where wildlife, wild places, and all people thrive. We act by protecting and restoring habitats, saving species, and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it.
For all licensed Products sold by Historiart, Historiart will donate a minimum of £10,000 per annum to RSPB Sales Ltd, which gives all its distributable profits through Gift Aid to the RSPB.
Manufactured under licence from RSPB Sales Limited to raise awareness of the RSPB (charity registration in England and Wales no 207076 and Scotland no SC037654).