Kingfisher

Name: Common Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Alcedo Atthis

Basic Information:
These birds are found throughout Africa, Asia, and have been known to travel to Australia. The kingfisher is about the size of a common sparrow. They are brightly colored with blue covering most of their body, copper-red on the under side and some white trim around the head and eyes. They have long black bills that help them in fishing for small fish and insects. They will wait on a perch and then dive straight down into the water to make a catch. They can swallow smaller fish and insects whole, while large fish must be killed first then eaten in pieces. These birds create breeding holes in the sandy banks of rivers and lakes, by making tunnels with which to place 7 or more eggs in. Once the young hatch and are old enough they crawl to the edge of the tunnel they are fed by the parents.

Habitat Information:
Wetland, River, and Lake - Part of the wetland, river, and lake habitat exhibit is a chance to learn just how important these environments are to our planet. Most humans in the developed world have grown accustomed to plentiful water sources and have never been forced to think about what life would be like without these crucial parts of the ecosystem. Zoo visitors will have a chance to reflect on this important issue while still engaging in fun and exciting animal viewing in this habitat.

Kingfisher at Windaroo:
You can find these colorful little guys in the aviary exhibit of the zoo along with many other types of birds.

Related Animals:
Crocodile
Jacana
Otter
A-Z Animal List