Kingfishers

Primarily an Old World family;only 6 species live in The New World.Stocky and short-legged,with a large

head and a large beak,and,in 2 North American species,a ragged crest.Look for them near woodland streams,ponds and in coastal areas.They hover over water or watch from low perches,then plunge head first to catch a fish.With a strong and feet,They dig nest burrows in stream banks.There are 3 species of Kingfishers that live in North America:Belted,Ringed and Green.

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
The only kingfisher in North America.Both male & female have slate blue breast bands,white belly and undertail coverts.Female has rust belly band and flanks.