The river kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is one of the most strikingly colorful birds found in Portugal’s avifauna.

Its dazzling blue plumage on its back and wings, combined with an orange belly, makes it a true spectacle of nature. This beauty makes it a favorite among nature photographers, although capturing this small and elusive bird on camera is no easy feat.

Habitat and Distribution

Where to Spot the River Kingfisher

In Portugal, the river kingfisher is commonly found perched on small poles or dry branches by water bodies, scouting for prey. It is widely distributed across mainland Portugal, particularly abundant in coastal and lowland areas, though it rarely ventures above altitudes of 1000 meters.

Global Range

This bird is native to North Africa and Europe, with populations found as far east as Asia. While Western European river kingfishers are largely sedentary, their Eastern European counterparts migrate to warmer regions such as the Iberian Peninsula, France, and West Africa during winter.

A Large Territory for a Small Bird

Solitary and Territorial

Despite its small size of just 18 centimeters, the river kingfisher requires a territory of up to 1.5 kilometers along a river. This solitary bird fiercely defends its terrain to ensure ample food, safety, and an ideal nesting site.

Territorial Disputes

Rivalries can turn deadly, with high-speed aerial chases, beak clashes, and attempts to drown adversaries being common during disputes. These battles highlight the kingfisher’s determination to protect its domain.

Mating and Nesting

A Temporary Truce

During the mating season, from April to July, territorial hostilities between males and females subside. Courtship often involves a male presenting a fresh fish to the female, carefully positioning it head-first toward her beak.

Nesting and Raising Chicks

The pair collaborates to dig a nest, typically on riverbanks or slopes, creating a tunnel 60 to 90 centimeters long leading to an egg chamber. Nest construction takes about 14 days, with careful attention to elevation to avoid flooding and a sloping tunnel to prevent eggs from rolling out.

Eggs hatch after three weeks, and the chicks remain in the nest for another 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, both parents hunt tirelessly, bringing 50 to 70 fish daily to feed their young. River kingfishers usually produce three litters per season, with each litter containing about four eggs.

Conservation Concerns

While classified as Least Concern by the Red Book of Vertebrates of Portugal, the river kingfisher faces growing threats from water pollution, habitat disturbance from tourism, hunting, and sport fishing. These activities reduce their food resources and disrupt nesting areas, posing challenges to their survival.

The Expert Hunter

Unmatched Hunting Skills

Despite its size, the river kingfisher is an exceptional predator. It can dive at speeds of 40 km/h and emerge with a fish in its beak in just two seconds. Its precise aim allows it to catch prey over half a meter underwater, even with a translucent protective membrane covering its eyes.

Diet

This bird primarily feeds on small freshwater fish but also consumes aquatic insects, amphibians, small crustaceans, and freshwater crayfish.

Did You Know?

The river kingfisher has over 25 nicknames, including "ditch-kite," "fish stinger," "small-river robin," and "king-of-the-sea."

The gender can be identified by the color of the beak: males have predominantly black beaks, while females have an orange underside.

During hunting, the bird stuns its prey by knocking it against a surface before eating it.

River kingfishers are notably quiet and discreet during the spring season.

The river kingfisher’s vibrant colors, exceptional hunting skills, and fascinating behavior make it a captivating species to observe and protect. Its presence is a testament to the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving habitats for future generations.