The Common Kingfisher is a small bird with bright plumage often seen near rivers, streams and lakes. The male and female are very similar in coloration, the upper body is a blue-green, the back is a bright azure and the chest is a reddish brown. The female can be identified by the color of her lower jaw, orange-red with a black tip. Their diet consists mainly of fish but they will also feed on aquatic insects and small amphibians such as newts.The common Kingfisher is widely distributed across Europe, Asia and in North Africa where it tends to be a winter visitor. They are known to migrate after breeding from regions with prolonged freezing conditions in winter.

1. Kingfishers are important members of the ecosystem and good indicators of freshwater health. The highest breeeding densities are found in habitats with clear and high quality water, thus indicating the waters are free from pollutants.
2. They are highly territorial birds who will protect their stretch of water from any potential intruders. This is not surprising given they have to eat around 60% of their body weight each day.

• Length: 15–17 cm
• Wingspan: ~25 cm
• Habitat: Neat slow flowing fresh water - rivers, streams, canals as well as lakes and wetlands.
• Diet: Primarily fish but will consume aquatics insects, shrimp and tadpoles!