Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Alcedo atthisMaltese Name: Ghasfur ta’ San Martin
Family: Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
A very colorful and striking bird which is about the size of the Starling. The Kingfisher has a large head and bill with a rather small body and short tail. It has a blue cap, black bill whit a beautiful electric blue on its back and wings , and orange underparts. It also has a white and orange cheek patch, white chin and tiny red legs. In flight its call can be heard and its blue streak is very evident. It has fast and direct wing beats. It is often seen perched on a twig near a stream or pond waiting to catch its prey. When it spots something, it makes a dramatic dive in the water and if successful flies back out with the prey in its bill to eat on its perch. It has a loud sharp kit-cheee kit-cheee call. It eats fish and small aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. It nests in a deep tunnel near the water where it lays 5-7 eggs.
Status:
The Kingfisher is a regular migrant seen in migration. Occasionally 1-2 decide to spend the winter with us at Ghadira or Simar Nature Reserve. During Migration up to 5 or more could be present at the reserves.
When to See:
Migrant Kingfishers can be seen from as early as July and August till October during Autumn. Some winter here. Again seen during Spring Feb-April
Where to See:
Ghadira and Simar Nature Reserves and Salina are the best sites to see the bird. Seen also rather regularly near the coast or somewhere with abundant water present during migration such as valleys.
Photographs:
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Kingfisher with a killifish in its beak, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Kingfisher, Simar Nature Reserve | Kingfisher, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Kingfisher, just caught a killifish, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Kingfisher, Simar Nature Reserve |
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