Mojo garden birds kingfisher 381130

The kingfisher is a small bird with bright plumage that can often be seen near rivers, streams and lakes. The male and female are very similar in color: the upper side is blue-green, the back is bright azure blue and the breast is reddish brown. The female can be recognized by the color of her lower jaw, orange-red with a black tip. Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they also feed on aquatic insects and small amphibians such as salamanders. The kingfisher is widespread in Europe, Asia and North Africa, where it usually winters. They migrate after breeding from areas with prolonged freezing temperatures in winter.

• Kingfishers are important members of the ecosystem and good indicators of freshwater health. The highest breeding densities are found in habitats with clear and good quality water, indicating that the water is free of contaminants. • They are highly territorial birds that will protect their water area from potential invaders. This is not surprising, since they need to eat about 60% of their body weight in food every day. Features • Length: 15-17 cm • Wingspan: ~25 cm • Habitat: Calm, slow-moving fresh water - rivers, streams, canals, as well as lakes and wetlands. • Diet: Mainly fish, but they also eat aquatic insects, shrimp and tadpoles!