(Common/Eurasian) Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

The Kingfisher is one of our prettiest birds, although often all that is seen is a "kingfisher-blue" flash as the elusive small bird dashes out of sight.

The Kingfisher is also called the Common or Eurasian Kingfisher and is prevalent over much of Europe, some of Asia and part of North Africa.

The russet front with white chin and neck flash. The male, above centre, has an all black bill and the female, above right, an orange lower bill.

It takes small fish and larvae from ponds and streams. The Kingfisher turns the hapless fish round to feed to its young head first.

After feeding the fish to the young, the parent flies off to fish for another. Male and female share baby-sitting and fishing duties.