Parques de Portugal

<p> <em>Alcedo atthis</em> (Linnaeus, 1758)</p>

Share Image

1. Personal Data

2. Image Upload

The files submitted on the website should be in JPEG or PNG format, with a maximum size of 5MB. By submitting this image you are authorizing its eventual publication in Natural.PT (its authorship will be mentioned).

  • Kingfisher

  • Alcedo atthis (Linnaeus, 1758)

  • Alcedinidae

  • The kingfisher is a charismatic little bird. With a plump aspect, disproportionally long beak, large head and short legs, it exhibits a deep blue plumage on its head, wings and back, which contrasts with the strong orange colour of its face and inferior parts, and with the white spots on its throat and neck. It can measure up to 19 cm long.

  • Vale do Guadiana Nature Park

    Paul de Arzila Nature Reserve

    Paul do Boquilobo Nature Reserve

    Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha Nature Reserve

    Lagoas de Bertiandos e S. Pedro de Arcos Protected Landscape

    Açude da Agolada Local Protected Landscape

    Açude do Monte da Barca Local Protected Landscape

    Fonte Benémola Local Protected Landscape

  • Centro

    Lisboa e Vale do Tejo

    Algarve

    Alentejo

    Norte

  • Least Concern

  • The kingfisher lives on a wide variety of fresh water, brackish or even salt water habitats, such as water courses, ponds, bogs and estuaries. It can be sighted at high speed flight above the water or perched in the vegetation on the river shores.

  • All year long

  • The kingfisher feeds mainly on freshwater fish, and also of aquatic insects, other invertebrates, salt water fish and amphibians. It hunts in wait, perched on high places on the riparian vegetation, from which it performs a nosedive.

  • The Portuguese population of this species is estimated to be between 1000 and 5000 couples.