What kind of bird is a kingfisher? We will introduce and explain the beautiful physical characteristics, ecology, and habitats found in the great outdoors. It is a famous bird that lives all over Japan. It has a blue back and an orange belly, and some species migrate to southern regions in the winter. Although it is a resident bird, its habits differ in some areas.
What is a kingfisher? About basic status
The kingfisher is a bird that belongs to the genus Kingfisher, in the order Carpenteridae and family Alcenidae. The scientific name is Alcedo atthis. In kanji, it is also called jade, jade, and kawaban. The total length is only 17cm, and the wingspan is about 25cm. We will introduce the information in a list. They catch fish on the surface of rivers.
| Japanese（和名） | カワセミ |
| English（英名） | Common Kingfisher European Kingfisher |
| scientific name(学名) | Alcedo atthis |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Coraciiformes、Alcedinidae、Alcedo 鳥綱、ブッポウソウ目、カワセミ科、カワセミ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（全長） | 17cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5kg |
（Common Kingfisher / Alcedo atthis）
| 分類階層 | 名称 |
|---|---|
| 界 (Kingdom) | Animalia（動物界） |
| 門 (Phylum) | Chordata（脊索動物門） |
| 綱 (Class) | Aves（鳥綱） |
| 目 (Order) | Coraciiformes（ブッポウソウ目） |
| 科 (Family) | Alcedinidae（カワセミ科） |
| 属 (Genus) | Alcedo（カワセミ属） |
| 種 (Species) | Alcedo atthis（カワセミ） |
About habitat
Kingfishers are distributed throughout Japan. Some individuals migrate.
- Global Distribution
Widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa
In East Asia, it is found in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Northern populations sometimes migrate southward during the winter.
- Distribution in Japan
Can be observed almost nationwide
Distributed throughout Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Ryukyu Islands.
Mainly found near water, such as rivers, small streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands.
Can also be found in urban areas, if there is a waterside area, such as a park or waterway.
- Habitat Characteristics
Waterside Lifestyle
Banks of rivers and streams, edges of ponds and lakes, etc.
Often perches on tree branches or stakes along the riverbank to hunt for fish.
Influence of Water Quality and Water Quantity
Prefers clear streams and areas with abundant fish.
Habitat reductions can occur due to water quality deterioration and bank construction.
Nesting
Dug holes in riverbanks and sandy slopes to build nests.
- Seasonal Habitat
Breeding Season (Spring-Summer): Pairs have territories and are active near water.
Winter: Individuals from colder climates may migrate south for winter.
Resident Birds: Individuals from warmer climates settle near water.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Kingfishers are characterized by their blue backs and orange bellies. Their beaks are long compared to their body size, and they use this long beak to catch prey by diving into rivers. The nest is built by digging a hole in the cliff. They live near freshwater bodies such as clear streams, ponds, and rivers. They are basically resident birds, but individuals living in northern Japan tend to migrate south to spend the winter.
- Appearance
Body Shape/Size
Body Length: Approximately 16-17cm (Small Bird)
Body Type: Sturdy, small, and compact, adapted for flight
Feather Color
Back/Wings: Bright blue to green
Belly: Bright orange
Head: White spots above the eyes give the face a sharp, defined look
Tail: Short and rounded
Beak/Eyes
Beak: Long, black, specialized for catching fish
Eyes: Black, with sharp eyesight
- Diet/Foraging
Mainly piscivorous
Preys on small fish, shrimp, frog larvae, etc.
Foraging Method
Aims at fish from riverbanks or stakes
Can also hover (aim while stationary in the air)
Highly developed vision allows for accurate identification of underwater prey
- Behavior and Habits
Strongly territorial
Pairs form territories and chase away any other individuals that enter.
Solitary behavior
Often solitary outside of breeding season.
Flight Ability
Fly at high speeds in a straight line.
Often glide near the water’s surface.
Calls
Makes a short, sharp “chiri-chiri” sound, used to mark territory and intimidate others.
- Breeding
Digs a hole in a riverbank or embankment to build a nest.
Lays about 5-7 eggs at a time.
Chicks are raised by the parents, who provide them with fish.
Once mature, they begin to travel alone near water, just like their parents.
What does the ecology look like?
Kingfishers live by capturing and eating small fish, fish, and insects in the water. During the breeding season, “courtship feeding” can be observed, where the male presents prey to the female. Parent birds make holes in vertical banks and lay their eggs. They will lay 3-4 eggs here. The lifespan is said to be up to 20 years.
- Diet and Foraging Behavior
Primarily Piscivorous
Preys on small fish, shrimp, and frog larvae
Foraging Method
Perches on riverbanks, posts, or branches to hunt for underwater prey
Also performs hovering (moving in the air to hunt for fish)
Area of Activity
Mostly moves along clear streams of rivers, ponds, and lakes
Maintains territories around waterside areas where prey is abundant
- Breeding
Breeding Season: Spring to Summer (April to July)
Nest Building
Dugs nest holes in the soil of riverbanks or banks
Safely protects chicks in vertical holes or tunnels
Eggs and Incubation
Approximately 5-7 eggs at a time
Females incubate eggs, while males bring food
Chick Rearing
Parents feed them with fish and raise them
Chicks leave the nest approximately 3-4 weeks after hatching
- Sociality
Solo or pair-based behavior
Usually solitary even outside of the breeding season
Strongly territorial, they will chase away other individuals.
- Migration/Migration
Resident or partial migratory
Almost resident in warm climates
Individuals in northern and cold climates may migrate south in winter
Do not migrate long distances
- Habitat Adaptation
Aquatic life
Rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands
Catch fish from branches and stakes on riverbanks
Sensitive to water quality and quantity
Prefers clear streams and areas with abundant fish
Habitat loss can occur due to water quality deterioration and bank construction
Are there any natural enemies?
The kingfisher’s natural enemies include weasels, foxes, and crows.
About Kingfisher Chicks
This article summarizes the characteristics and ecology of kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) chicks (young birds).
- Birth and Nest
Hatching Period: Spring to Summer (Breeding Season, April to July)
Number of Eggs: Approximately 5-7 per clutch
Incubation Period: Approximately 19-21 days (Females incubate)
Nests: Built in holes dug in the soil of riverbanks or embankments
- Appearance (Chick Feathers)
Newly hatched chicks have fluffy, grayish-brown down feathers.
Their beaks are shorter than those of their parents, and their eyes appear young.
They grow up receiving food from their parents.
- Behavior and Development
Parental Care
The female incubates the eggs, and after hatching, both males and females bring them fish.
Foraging Practice
They practice pecking for food with their beaks at 2-3 weeks of age.
Fleeding
They leave the nest at 3-4 weeks of age.
They start flying low, gradually improving their flight ability.
After Fledging
They practice fishing with their parents.
They begin to fly independently after about one month.
- Developmental Stages
0-2 weeks after birth: They are protected by their parents in the nest and receive food. 2-3 weeks after birth: They begin foraging practice and begin peeking out of the nest. 3-4 weeks after birth: They leave the nest and practice catching fish by flying low. 1 month after birth: They become independent and live independently, away from their parents.
- Ecological Characteristics
They are safely protected from predators in the nest.
Their parents feed them and they learn fishing techniques.
The chick period is short, and they leave the nest relatively early.
Is the kingfisher an endangered species?
Kingfishers are designated as endangered, endangered, and near-threatened.
- International Status (IUCN)
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Reason:
Wide distribution range, and relatively stable populations
Although there have been local declines, there is no significant overall decline trend
- Status in Japan
Not designated as an endangered species in Japan
Widely distributed in rivers, ponds, lakes, and other aquatic habitats throughout the country
Localized habitat declines may occur due to river improvements and poor water quality, but overall populations remain stable
- Conservation Precautions
Capturing and destruction of burrows are prohibited (Wildlife Protection Act)
Protecting burrows and aquatic habitats is important for maintaining future populations
Can kingfishers be kept as pets?
Kingfishers cannot be kept as pets; keeping them is prohibited by law in Japan. They are often seen perched along with other sparrows on branches in nature, so they are photographed and posted on the internet.
- Can Kingfishers Be Kept as Pets?
Kingfishers are wild birds and are not sold as pets.
In Japan, capturing wild birds is prohibited (under the Wildlife Protection Act), so as a general rule, they cannot be kept as pets.
Keeping is limited to individuals born in breeding facilities or those with special permission.
- Difficulties of Keeping
Very Unusual Diet
They primarily eat fish, requiring a constant supply of live aquatic life such as fish and shrimp.
Food is difficult to obtain, and care is extremely difficult.
High exercise requirements and excellent flying ability.
Stress occurs in small cages.
Waterside and hovering spaces must be recreated.
Timidity and nervousness.
Sensitive to people and changes in the environment, and stress shortens their lifespan.
- Overall Evaluation
Kingfishers are wild birds that are not suitable as pets.
Keeping them requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and food, making it impractical for an average household.
Enjoying observation, photography, and audio recording is safer and more appropriate.
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