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The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small, brilliantly colored bird (16–17 cm) with electric blue upperparts and orange underparts, known for hunting fish along slow-flowing, clear rivers, streams, and canals. They are highly territorial, dive at high speed to catch fish, and require roughly 60% of their body weight in food daily.
Key Facts About Common Kingfishers
Hunting & Diet: They hunt by diving into water to catch small fish (minnows, sticklebacks) and invertebrates, using their long, sharp, black, and orange bills. They often beat their prey against a perch to consume it headfirst.
Physical Features: They have a short tail, large head, and long, dagger-like bill. Males have completely black bills, while females possess an orange-red underbill.
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Habitat & Range: Common in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, these birds prefer water sources, but in winter, they may move to the coast to avoid freezing inland waters.
Nesting: They dig tunnels in vertical riverbanks to create nests, producing 2–3 broods per year, each consisting of 6–7 eggs.
Flight: They are frequently seen in direct, low, and fast flight, appearing as a bright blue streak over the water.
Behavior: They are highly territorial, and they may fall victim to predators like cats, foxes, and mink.
Lifespan: They live on average seven years, though they can reach up to 15 years.
Engineering Inspiration: The design of the Japanese bullet train was inspired by the kingfisher's beak, which allows for efficient, low-impact, high-speed movement.
