THE NATURAL WORLD OF SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND THROUGH THE LENS OF CAPTAIN YVES- PART 12
A bird with poise and elegance these beautiful creatures flit up and down rivers, ponds and lakes.
There are an estimated 1.7 million Belted Kingfishers living from Central to North America
Unlike most birds, the female (below) is more colourful than the male (above). Males have one blue band across the white breast, while females have a blue and a chestnut band.
During breeding season the pair will both defend the nest area
The nest burrow is usually in a dirt bank near water. The tunnel slopes upward from the entrance, perhaps to keep water from entering the nest. Tunnel length ranges from 1 to 8 feet.
You’ll probably hear a loud, rattling call before you see the kingfisher.
The Belted Kingfishers top flying speed is 72kmh and its lifespan is between 6 -14 years!