CLASS AVES

Belted Kingfisher

Animals Kingdom (Animalia)

• Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

• Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

• Birds (Class Aves)

The Belted Kingfisher inhabits a variety of aquatic habitats and builds its nests in excavated holes in banks. Often heard before seen, this dagger-billed, shaggy-crested bird is usually spotted next to a river or lake, or hovering over the water before plunging headfirst to snag a fish. Belted Kingfishers hunt using a sit-and-wait strategy, from a perch with a clear view over their feeding territory. This bird's diet consists mostly of fish species that live in shallow water or swim near the surface, but Belted Kingfishers will also take crayfish, insects, frogs, snakes, young birds, and small mammals.