Belted Kingfisher

August is the 'finishing' month - time to finish raising those chicks, finish fattening up, finish singing and interacting, finished with the VT breeding grounds. It's a time when a lot of the birds we might see don't look like the ones we saw in the spring.

The Belted Kingfisher, however, continues to be easily recognized by its size, plumage and vocalizations in flight. It is a medium sized, white breasted bird with a bluish gray back, head and crest and neck collar. Additionally, it is one of the few species of birds where the female is more colorful than the male - she with an added rusty brown belt across the belly and flanks.

Kingfishers are common along lakes, ponds and steams emitting their loud, dry rattle as they fly overhead looking for prey. When feeding they will watch from a perch or hover over the water and then plunge in headfirst to catch a fish in the long, oversized bill.

These birds nest in 1-8' long tunnels made in banks of sand or clay which can be some distance from the water. Both the male and female participate in all phases of the breeding cycle.

The Belted Kingfisher breeds throughout North America and winters in the southern states and Mexico. It will often remain in its northern range as long as the waters remain open.

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