Blink and you may miss the fantastic kingfisher!

 

This beautiful bird is easy to recognise thanks to its bright blue and metallic copper colours. It darts along the riverbank or sits patiently on a low branch over the water waiting for its next meal to swim by.

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 Kingfishers live in burrow-like nests near lakes and other waterways, choosing a perfect spot for fishing!

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The striking mix of its bright-blue back and metallic copper breast make the kingfisher unmistakable. Males have an entirely black bill, females have an orangey-red patch at the base.

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Statistics

Length: 15-17cm
Wingspan: 25cm
Weight: 40g
Average lifespan: 2 years

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Conservation status

Classified in the UK as Green

 

(Click to enlarge images)