Common Kingfisher

The common kingfisher is a sparrow-sized bird with the characteristic kingfisher combination of a large head, long pointed bill, compact body and very short tail. Its upperparts appear brilliant blue while the underparts are orange, with white patches at the throat and neck. The sexes are similar, though bill colour can help distinguish them at close range. Its eyes contain adaptations that reduce glare and assist judgement of moving prey after the bird passes from air into water. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Common kingfishers hunt from perches beside clear, shallow water, diving mainly for small fish and returning to a branch to handle the catch. Aquatic invertebrates and amphibians may also be taken. They inhabit slow rivers, streams and lakes with vegetated banks; in winter some use estuaries, harbours and rocky shores. A pair excavates a tunnel in a riverbank and lays glossy white eggs in a chamber at its end. Populations leave regions where waterways freeze. (Wikipedia, general species account)