Kingfisher Pictures: Get to Know These Brightly Colored Fish-Hunting Birds

Kingfisher is the collective name for birds in the family Alcedinidae, order Coraciiformes. They are distributed across most regions of China and are commonly found near streams, lakes, ponds and other bodies of water. Small in size and alert by nature, they often perch on waterside branches or rocks waiting quietly for prey. They are known for hunting fish and shrimp, and are a favorite subject for birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts.

As seen in pictures, what makes kingfishers most striking is their brilliantly colored plumage. Common species have bright kingfisher-blue or blue-green backs with a metallic sheen, while the underparts are orange-brown, creating a very eye-catching contrast. Kingfishers have relatively large heads and long, pointed, straight bills that make it easy to plunge into water to catch fish; their short tails and slender, weak feet are also key identification features.

The family Alcedinidae contains many species. Those more commonly seen in China include the Common Kingfisher, the Black-capped Kingfisher and the White-throated Kingfisher. The Common Kingfisher is the smallest and most widely distributed, and is the image most often seen in pictures online; the Black-capped Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher are relatively larger, each with its own distinctive plumage combination, and are likewise frequent guests in front of the camera lens.

It should be noted that kingfishers fly swiftly and move nimbly, so photographing them often requires long, patient waiting. Many people, after getting to know kingfishers through pictures, go on to learn more about their diet and habits. They feed mainly on small fish, shrimp and aquatic insects, and are relatively sensitive to changes in the water environment.