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Photo: © Charlie Bruggemann eBird S51556202 Macaulay Library ML 134468811
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Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon
Martín-pescador Norteño
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Song

Belted Kingfisher

Appearance: The Belted Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird with a shaggy crest on its head, a large bill, and a distinctive white collar. Both male and female Belted Kingfishers have blue-gray plumage on top and white underparts. The female can be distinguished by a rufous band across the breast. 
Habitat: Belted Kingfishers are commonly found near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, and coastlines. They are adaptable birds and can be seen in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
Behavior: Belted Kingfishers are proficient fishers, known for their impressive diving and fishing skills. They hunt by hovering over the water and then diving headfirst to catch fish and other aquatic prey. These kingfishers are solitary birds and are often seen perching on branches or wires near water bodies.
Breeding: Belted Kingfishers typically excavate burrows in earthen banks along water bodies where they nest and raise their young. The female lays a clutch of eggs, usually between 5-8 eggs, which are incubated for around 3-4 weeks. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Belted Kingfisher is not a common breeding species but can be found in suitable habitats throughout the country.
MALE
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Photo: © Michael Nelson eBird S54465927 Macaulay Library ML 149924301
FEMALE
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Photo: © Charlie Bruggemann eBird S51556202 Macaulay Library ML 134468811

Distribution

Northern Andes: The Belted Kingfisher is known to inhabit regions in the Northern Andes of Colombia, including areas around rivers, streams, and lakes at different elevations.
Pacific Coast: Along the Pacific coast of Colombia, the Belted Kingfisher can be found in coastal mangroves, estuaries, and other wetland habitats.
Caribbean Coast: Along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the Belted Kingfisher may inhabit coastal wetlands, lagoons, and rivers.

Taxonomy

The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Coraciiformes
  • Family: Alcedinidae
  • Genus: Megaceryle
  • Species: Megaceryle alcyon

Vocalization

Rattle: The most commonly recognized call of the Belted Kingfisher is a loud, harsh, and mechanical-sounding rattle. This rattling call is often given in flight, as the bird flies over its territory or along water bodies. The rattle is used for territorial communication and may be heard throughout the day.
Chatter: Belted Kingfishers also produce a rapid series of high-pitched chattering notes. This chatter is often heard during interactions between mating pairs or between individuals approaching each other's territories. The chatter can vary in intensity and pitch.
Flight Call: When in flight, Belted Kingfishers emit a distinctive, sharp, ringing call that has been described as a "kek-kek-kek" or "churr-churr." This call is believed to aid in communication between individuals during flight and can help maintain contact between pairs.
Agitated Calls: When disturbed or agitated, Belted Kingfishers may produce a series of rapid, high-pitched calls to signal alarm or distress. These agitated calls are often accompanied by body movements such as wing flicking or tail spreading.
Courtship Calls: During courtship displays, Belted Kingfishers may engage in mutual calling, where males and females vocalize to each other in a softer, more melodious manner. These courtship calls help strengthen pair bonds and signal readiness for breeding.