What is a kingfisher classified as?
What is a kingfisher classified as?
Aves
All kingfishers have large heads, long, sharp, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Most species have bright plumage with only small differences between the sexes….
| Kingfisher | |
|---|---|
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Coraciiformes |
| Suborder: | Alcedines |
| Family: | Alcedinidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
Is the Azure Kingfisher rare?
Distribution and habitat It is common in the north of its range, tending to uncommon in the south. It is generally sedentary, although some seasonal migration may occur.
Are Azure Kingfisher endangered?
Least Concern (Population decreasing)
Azure kingfisher/Conservation status
Why is a kingfisher called a kingfisher?
The modern binomial name derives from the Latin alcedo, ‘kingfisher’ (from Greek ἀλκυών, halcyon), and Atthis, a beautiful young woman of Lesbos, and favourite of Sappho. The genus Alcedo comprises seven small kingfishers that all eat fish as part of their diet.
What are the characteristics of a kingfisher?
Kingfishers, ranging in length from 10 to 42 cm (4 to 16.5 inches), have a large head, a long and massive bill, and a compact body. Their feet are small, and, with a few exceptions, the tail is short or medium-length. Most species have vivid plumage in bold patterns, and many are crested.
How many kingfisher species are there in the world?
120 species
There are around 120 species of kingfishers found all around the world, except for the polar regions. Most species of kingfisher are found in Australia, Asia, and Africa in wooded tropical areas near water. Six species are found in the New World.
Where are azure kingfishers found?
eastern Australia
The Azure Kingfisher is found across northern and eastern Australia, as well as in the Moluccas and Lesser Sundas (Indonesia), New Guinea and surrounding islands.
Are azure kingfishers migratory?
The Azure Kingfisher is not considered a migratory species although there may be some movement associated with breeding and dispersal of young (Blakers et al. 1984).
What is an habitat of an Azure Kingfisher?
Sacred Kingfisher has similar orange-buff belly, but it is a much larger bird.
Do kingfishers migrate?
Migration. Resident to long-distance migrant. In much of the breeding range open water is available even in the winter, so kingfishers may stay year-round. Kingfishers breed as far north as northern Alaska and Canada, and these birds migrate south for winter.
What does the azure kingfisher look like?
The Azure Kingfisher is a small kingfisher with a long slender black bill and a short tail. The head, neck, upper parts and breast sides are deep azure blue with a violet (purplish) sheen. Image: Gary Leavens The Azure Kingfisher nests in a burrow dug out of a river bank.
What is a sacred kingfisher?
Small bright blue and deep orange kingfisher. Almost always found above water. It patrols up and down waterways and rivers from perch to perch flying very fast, and only a few meters off the water, typically making a loud high pitched “seeeeeeeep” call. Sacred Kingfisher has similar orange-buff belly, but it is a much larger bird.
What time of year do azure kingfishers nest?
The breeding season of the azure kingfisher is from September to April in northern Australia and from August to February in southern Australia, sometimes with two broods. The nest is in a chamber at the end of a 1 m (3 ft 3 in) long burrow in an earthen creek bank.
Are kingfishers solitary birds?
Most kingfisher species are solitary, only pairing up with a mate during breeding season. Azure kingfishers are piscivores, they mainly eat fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, other invertebrates, and sometimes frogs. Azure kingfishers are monogamous birds and form a pair that will defend a breeding territory.
