Meet The Belted Kingfisher

You will almost certainly hear the rattling call of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) before you see it. When you do see the bird, it will likely be flying to its next perch. These distinctive looking birds can be identified by a large pointed bill, white belly and blue-gray back, and head with an obvious crest.  Both sexes have a white collar with a dark blue-grey breast band.  Females also have a brown belly band (see photo).  They are the only species of Kingfisher found in Maryland and are relatively common along the waterways of Washington County year round. To learn more about the Belted Kingfisher, visit: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Belted_Kingfisher

by Mark Abdy, Washington County Bird Club, Photo Credit: Michael Saylor