This time last year we were treated to regular sightings of the kingfisher here at the Falls of Clyde and this year is proving no different. In many parts of northern and eastern Europe the kingfisher is migratory, some travelling up to 3,000km to their wintering grounds. It can even dive straight through a layer of thin ice to catch a fish below. It gets its name from its call, which sounds like laughter. There are several other species of kingfisher that look much like our bird: the great blue kingfisher, for example, has similar markings but is much bigger. The smallest one, the African dwarf kingfisher weighs about 10 to 12g and is about 10cm in length. Then a…, Love them or loathe them… squirrels are the Number One pest in many gardens. Though fish form the main part of the kingfisher’s diet, it also eats many aquatic insects, ranging from dragonfly nymphs to water beetles. In step wit…, A hygienic feeder means healthier birds. From major species and landscape projects to managing wildlife reserves, education work and campaigning for nature, we protect Scotland’s wildlife for the future.

The largest kingfisher in the world is Australia’s laughing kookaburra. Most species of kingfisher are blue or green-colored with orange or reddish-colored chest.

He will hold it so that the head of the fish is facing outwards and attempt to feed it to the female. Kingfishers range widely in their quest for fish, and will often raid garden ponds. Kingfishers are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north, however, following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in … Customers outside the UK can telephone us on +44 1227 714314 (overseas calls chargeable). Physical features and other kingfisher facts A belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) Size: The largest kingfisher, the laughing kookaburra weighs about 300g and measures 40 to 45cm in length with a wingspan of 55 to 65cm.

We have been championing the incredible diversity of Scotland’s wildlife for over 50 years; from lichens, wood ants and butterflies, to golden eagles, basking sharks and beavers. The most famous kingfisher is Australia’s laughing kookaburra. They close their eyes as they dive into the water, so they are fishing blind!

Chicks are fed in rotation. The male will approach the female with a fish in his beak. Kingfisher has large head, long, sharp, dagger-like beak, sturdy body, short legs and stubby tail. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792). Many young kingfishers die within days of fledging, their first dives leaving them waterlogged so they end up drowning. Help support our vital work and join us today! Take a closer look at Scotland’s wildlife, Visit our wildlife reserves and visitor centres. The first clutch of 6-7 eggs is laid in late March or in early April. There’s something here for all ages to enjoy. 110 Commercial St Join today from just £3 a month to help protect the species you love. CLOSE Know what you are looking for? There are 87 different species of kingfisher in the world, but only one.

The brilliant blue of the kingfisher’s back feathers are not the result of pigment, but the result of light striking specially modified layers of feather cells. Though adults pair in the autumn, they retain separate territories until the spring, when they gradually merge together. Edinburgh Weigh up Chunky Dumplings™ against other dry, d…, extract_from could not find model_description_1, Everyone loves robins. Kingfishers are renowned for the insanitary conditions of their nests, which become littered with droppings, pellets and fish bones.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Our high quality mealworms make an …, Nutritious and delicious, this is an ideal complementary food to help hedgehogs thrive. In the winter, a kingfisher needs to eat around 15 or 16 minnows a day.

In the winter, a kingfisher needs to eat around 15 or 16 minnows a day. They fly rapidly, low over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. So I thought you …, Tree bumblebees have the Falls of Clyde buzzing, Roe deer shenanigans at the Falls of Clyde, The natural phenomenon of the mayfly hatch, Stay up to date with the Scottish Wildlife Trust by subscribing to our mailing list Subscribe now, Harbourside House For assistance, please call us FREE on 0800 072 0130. Safe, humane and effective, CatWatch, …, It’s a serious and widely reported problem: fast-flying birds are prone to crash into windows…, Made from powder-coated steel, the Ground Feeder Guardian is just the job if you want to stop large…. Kingfishers eat mainly fish, chiefly minnows and sticklebacks, but they also take aquatic insects, freshwater shrimps and tadpoles. Registered office: Harbourside House, 110 Commercial Street, Edinburgh EH6 6NF. Kingfisher courtship occurs in spring. This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km 2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Because of the high mortality of young, kingfishers usually have two or three broods a year, with as many as 10 in a brood. Kingfishers fly at only one pace: fast and straight, but they can hover when fishing. Few British kingfishers ever move more than 250km, though freezing weather will prompt them to move to the coast. Though fish form the main part of the kingfisher’s diet, it also eats many aquatic insects, ranging from dragonfly nymphs to water beetles. If he is unsuccessful he will simply eat the fish himself.

It is also a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland (registered number SC040247). EH6 6NF. The German name of Eisvogel (icebird) reflects the fact that migrants move south to Germany in response to freezing conditions to the north. The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. Once a chick is fed, it moves to the back of the nest to digest its meal, causing the others to move forward. Offer Special Mix™ and help birds stay in top condition to handle the energetic demands of nest buil…, It’s simple – more fat means more birds.

Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, raise funds or leave a legacy to the Trust, your help will make a real difference to our work protecting Scotland’s wildlife. It’s frus…, Our collection of durable, high-quality hooks and brackets instantly expands options for hanging fe…, Cats and foxes are a real threat to garden bird populations.

Furthermore, its shy nature means that it is not often seen. It has the appropriate Latin name of Alcedo hercules.