Belted kingfisher is a bird commonly found in North America. Its name is pronounced /ˈbɛltɪd ˈkɪŋˌfɪʃər/. The term "belted" refers to the bird's distinctive blue-gray band around its white chest, while "kingfisher" denotes its behavior of hunting and feeding on fish. The spelling of "kingfisher" corresponds to its etymology, being derived from the Old English words "cyning" (king) and "fiscere" (fisher). Meanwhile, "belted" simply describes the bird's physical appearance, fittingly depicted in its name.
The belted kingfisher is a bird species scientifically known as Megaceryle alcyon, belonging to the family Alcedinidae. This medium-sized bird is found in North and Central America, exhibiting a distinct and easily recognizable appearance.
The belted kingfisher has a stocky body, a large head, and a long, thick bill – traits typical of kingfishers. It is known for its unique coloration, including a blue-gray upper body and head, along with a white belly. Its head displays a prominent crest, and both sexes feature a blue-gray band across their breast, which gives the bird its name – "belted" kingfisher.
Living near bodies of water, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and coastlines, the belted kingfisher is an adept fisher. It utilizes its sharp eyesight to spot fish from perches, often branches or wires, and dive swiftly into the water to catch its prey. The kingfisher propels itself underwater with its wings, momentarily submerges fully, and returns to its perch to devour the captured fish.
Apart from fishing, the belted kingfisher has a distinctive rattling call, which it often uses to communicate or defend its territory. It constructs tunnel-like nests by digging burrows into sandbanks or earthen cliffs near water bodies. These nests provide shelter and security for raising their young.
Due to its intriguing physical appearance and remarkable fishing abilities, the belted kingfisher is frequently admired by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its unique features and behaviors contribute to the rich diversity of avian life in the Americas.
The word "belted" in "belted kingfisher" comes from the Middle English word "belt", which means a narrow band or strip. It is derived from the Old English word "belt", which originally meant a belt or girdle. The term "belted" refers to the distinctive blue band or "belt" around the kingfisher's breast.
The term "kingfisher" is derived from the combination of two Old English words. The word "king" is derived from the Old English word "cyning", meaning a ruler or leader. In this context, it likely refers to the bird's regal appearance or the belief that it was associated with kings. The word "fisher" is derived from the Old English word "fiscere", meaning a fisherman. This reflects the kingfisher's remarkable fishing skills and ability to catch fish.