Also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher.
Alcedo atthis is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. It is a rare vagrant to Christmas Island.
The Common Kingfisher hunts from a perch 1–2 m above the water, on a branch, post or riverbank, bill pointing down as it searches for prey. It bobs its head when food is detected to gauge the distance, and plunges steeply down to seize its prey usually no deeper than 25 cm below the surface. The wings are opened under water and the open eyes are protected by the transparent third eyelid.
The flight of the Common Kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over water. The short rounded wings whirr rapidly, and a bird flying away shows an electric-blue "flash" down its back.
High densities of breeding Common Kingfishers are found in habitats with clear water, which permits optimal prey visibility, and trees or shrubs on the banks. Common Kingfishers are important members of ecosystems and good indicators of freshwater community health.
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