Belted Kingfisher

1/2500s at f8.0, ISO:1600, Canon EOS-1D X, EF800mm+1.4x III converter


The breeding habitat of the Belted Kingfisher is near inland bodies of waters or coasts across most of Canada, Alaska and the United States. They migrate from the northern parts of its range to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and northern South America in winter. The Belted Kingfisher is often seen perched prominently on trees, posts, or other suitable watch points close to water before plunging in head first after its fish prey. They also eat amphibians, small crustaceans, insects, small mammals and reptiles. This bird nests in a horizontal tunnel made in a riverbank or sand bank and excavated by both parents. The female lays five to eight eggs and both adults incubate the eggs and feed the young. The nest of the belted kingfisher is a long tunnel and often slopes uphill. One possible reason for the uphill slope is in the case of flooding the chicks will be able to survive in the air pocket formed by the elevated end of the tunnel.
Chandler, AZ
 
12/04/2018