Kingfisher

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Kingfisher in the UK

Kingfisher is a widespread resident with at least 3,850 breeding pairs. It is found across lowland England, Wales and Ireland and into southern Scotland, and is scarce or absent in the far north. It is Green-listed. Numbers fell on rivers until the mid-1980s, recovered, and have slipped again: the trend since 1995 is a small decline. Hard winters kill many birds. In winter it is more widespread, as young birds disperse and some move to estuaries and coasts. It is protected under Schedule 1.

Where and when to see a Kingfisher

Slow or still, clear water with small fish and overhanging perches: lowland rivers, canals, lakes, gravel pits and park ponds. Many wetland reserves have hides facing a favoured perch. Any time of year works. August is good, when young birds are setting up territories, and winter is easier for views because bankside leaves are down. In hard frosts check harbours and tidal creeks. Sit quietly by the water early in the morning and listen for the call.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Slow clean rivers.
Diet: Small fish.
Field note: Electric-blue flash.

How to identify a Kingfisher

Smaller than most people expect: barely bigger than a sparrow, with a large head, a long dagger bill and a very short tail. Orange below, blue-green on the crown and wings, with a brilliant pale blue stripe down the back that catches the eye as it flies away. White patches on the throat and neck sides. The male's bill is all black. The female has an orange-red base to the lower half. Flight is fast, straight and low over the water. It perches upright, bobs its head, then dives.

Call and song

A sharp, high, thin whistle, 'tseee' or 'chee-kee', given in flight. It is usually the first sign that one is coming along the river. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Belted Kingfisher: This very rare American vagrant is about twice the size, blue-grey and white, with a shaggy crest.

Related guide Bird migration in Britain.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the Kingfisher is an Uncommon tier bird, worth +3 points when you log one. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5. It is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it is an offence to disturb it at or near the nest. We blur the location of every sighting of this species.

Where to see it

Reserves where the Kingfisher is on the list:

• WWT Caerlaverock
• RSPB Leighton Moss
• RSPB Minsmere

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Little GrebeUncommon · Ponds
• Egyptian GooseUncommon · Parkland lakes
• GoosanderUncommon · Upland rivers
• Great Black-backed GullUncommon · Coast
• Mandarin DuckUncommon · Wooded ponds
• White-throated DipperUncommon · Fast clean upland streams

Kingfisher: quick answers

Where can I see a Kingfisher in the UK?

On most lowland rivers, canals and lakes outside northern Scotland, including in towns and cities. Find a quiet stretch with branches over the water and wait. Ask at reserve visitor centres which hide has a regular perch.

What does a Kingfisher eat?

Small fish such as minnows and sticklebacks, plus water insects. It dives from a perch or a brief hover, carries the catch back and beats it on a branch before swallowing it head first. A bird needs to eat about its own body weight each day.

What habitat does a Kingfisher live in?

Slow-flowing or still fresh water that is clear enough to see prey. For nesting it needs a vertical earth bank, where the pair dig a tunnel ending in a chamber. Outside the breeding season it also uses estuaries, harbours and sheltered coasts.

Kit that helps

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