kingfishers

Fish-catching diving birds

Kingfishers are brightly colored birds found worldwide, known for their long, sharp bills and skill at catching fish.

Most species dive headfirst into water to snatch prey, though some hunt insects and small reptiles on land.

The belted kingfisher is common across North America: A kingfisher perched on the branch above the stream, watching for minnows.

ornithology

feathers

Bird's lightweight covering

  • beakHorny avian mouthpart
  • wingsLimbs for flight
  • plumageBird's complete feather coat

nesting · eggs · fledgling · avian · birder · twitching · ornithologist · halcyon · kookaburra · species

aquatic

rivers

Flowing bodies of water

  • streamsContinuous flows of something
  • divingEntering water deliberately
  • plungeSudden steep descent

wetlands · ponds · lakes · perch · freshwater · fish · waterside · riparian · marshes · creeks

symbolism

halcyon

Peacefully prosperous era

peace · abundance · calm · stillness · serenity · contemplation · solitude · watchfulness · mythology · legend

colorful

iridescent

Showing shifting spectral colors

turquoise · orange · striking · vibrant · bright · dazzling · luminous · electric-blue · metallic · shimmering

hunting

diving

Entering water deliberately

  • hoveringSuspended without support
  • preyAnimal being hunted
  • ambushSurprise strike from concealment

swoop · capture · sharp-eyed · patient · watchful · bill · strike · stalk · quick · precision

Categories
Opposites
hunting/foraging method

kingfishersducks

Waterfowl or evades

waders · herons · swimmers · egrets · vultures

diet type

kingfishersgranivores

Animals feeding on seeds

pigeons · doves · parrots · hummingbirds · sunbirds

Family

kingfishes, kingfisher

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G