kingfisher

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kingfisher

bird

Also known as: Alcedinidae

Written by Sy Montgomery

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Nov 8, 2024 • Article History

Related Topics:: kookaburra; belted kingfisher; Marquesan kingfisher; brown-winged kingfisher; common kingfisher

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kingfisher, any of about 90 species of birds in three families (Alcedinidae, Halcyonidae, and Cerylidae), noted for their spectacular dives into water. They are worldwide in distribution but are chiefly tropical. Kingfishers, ranging in length from 10 to 42 cm (4 to 16.5 inches), have a large head, a long and massive bill, and a compact body. Their feet are small, and, with a few exceptions, the tail is short or medium-length. Most species have vivid plumage in bold patterns, and many are crested. These vocal, colourful birds are renowned for their dramatic hunting techniques. Typically, the bird sits still, ...(100 of 556 words)

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