Birds of Texas

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 11-14"

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Photographs - © Walter Bauer, Sugar Land, Texas - 1998

Field Marks: Hovering on rapidly beating wings in one spot in readiness for the headlong plunge, or flying with peculiar uneven wing beats, rattling as it goes, the Kingfisher is easily learned. This one was perched on a limb near the Landa Park Golf Course located in New Braunfels, Texas.
Voice: A loud high rattle.
Where found: Northwest Alaska, Canada South to Southern USA. Winters south to Panama.
Texas: Winters throughout much of state. Breeds south to Pecos, Kerrville, Austin, Corpus Christi, but is absent in summer from much of Staked Plains and arid west sections.

Habitat: Rivers, ponds, lakes, bays.

Nest: In a burrow in riverbank or sandbank.