Megaceryle alcyon

The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon, formerly Ceryle alcyon) is a medium- sized bird (33 cm bill tip to tail tip) that eats primarily fish. It is one of the few species of fish-eating birds found throughout inland areas as well as coastal areas. The belted kingfisher's range includes most of the North American continent; it breeds from northern Alaska and central Labrador southward to the southern border of the United States (Bent, 1940). Two subspecies sometimes are recognized: the eastern belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon alcyon), which occupies the range east of the Rocky Mountains and north to Quebec, and the western belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon caurina), which occupies the remaining range to the west (Bent, 1940).

The sexes are similar in size and appearance, although the female tends to be slightly larger (Salyer and Lagler, 1946). Bent (1940) reported that western populations are somewhat larger than eastern ones. Nestlings reach adult body weight by about 16 days after hatching, but then may lose some weight before fledging (Hamas, 1981).

Belted kingfishers are typically found along rivers and streams and along lake and pond edges (Hamas, 1974). They are also common on seacoasts and estuaries (Bent, 1940). They generally feed on fish that swim near the surface or in shallow water (Salyer and Lagler, 1946). They capture fish by diving either from a perch overhanging the water or after hovering above the water (Bent, 1940).

This kingfisher breeds over most of the area of North America and winters in most regions of the continental United States (National Geographic Society, 1987). Although most northern kingfishers migrate to southern regions during the coldest months, some may stay in areas that remain ice-free where fishing is possible (Bent, 1940).

Belted kingfishers are native only to the Nearctic region. They breed as far north as northern Canada and Alaska and winter as far south as Central American and the Caribbean islands. They are found throughout the year from southern Canada and coastal Alaska throughout much of the United States. (Fry, 1992)

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

Cent. and e Canada to n S America; W Indies; Trinidad; Tobago.

Belted kingfishers are native only to the Nearctic region. They breed as far north as northern Canada and Alaska and winter as far south as Central American and the Caribbean islands. They are found throughout the year from southern Canada and coastal Alaska throughout much of the United States. (Fry, 1992)

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Breeding

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: (>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)) BREEDING: western and central Alaska to northern Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, central Ontario, east Ungava Bay in Quebec, Labrador, and Newfoundland, south to southern California, southern Texas, Gulf Coast, and southern Florida. NON-BREEDING: south-coastal and southeastern Alaska, British Columbia, Colorado, southern Great Lakes region, and New England south to the West Indies, Panama, and northern South America (very rare in northern Colombia, scarce in the coastal lowlands of Venezuela and Guyana). Winters sporadically almost throughout the breeding range. Casual in Hawaii. To 2500 m in the Rocky Mountains.

Belted kingfishers are medium-sized, stocky birds. Their plumage is blue-gray, except for a white collar and belly.  Both sexes have a gray chest band, and females have an additional rufous-colored (reddish brown) chest band. Unlike most birds, it is females of this species that are conspicously colored. Their length ranges from 28-35 cm, with a head and bill that are large compared to their bodies. Their heads also has a very noticable, ragged, double-pointed crest that reaches from the base of the bill to the back of the neck. Juveniles closely resemble adult females in coloration.

Range mass: 140 to 170 g.

Range length: 28.0 to 35.0 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: female more colorful

Belted kingfishers are medium-sized, stocky birds. Their plumage is blue-gray, except for a white collar and belly.  Both sexes have a gray chest band, and females have an additional rufous-colored (reddish brown) chest band. Unlike most birds, it is females of this species that are conspicously colored. Their length ranges from 28-35 cm, with a head and bill that are large compared to their bodies. Their heads also has a very noticable, ragged, double-pointed crest that reaches from the base of the bill to the back of the neck. Juveniles closely resemble adult females in coloration.

Range mass: 140 to 170 g.

Range length: 28.0 to 35.0 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: female more colorful

The sexes are similar in size and appearance, although the female tends to be slightly larger (Salyer and Lagler, 1946). Bent (1940) reported that western populations are somewhat larger than eastern ones. Nestlings reach adult body weight by about 16 days after hatching, but then may lose some weight before fledging (Hamas, 1981).

Length: 33 cm

Weight: 148 grams

Belted kingfishers occur in various aquatic habitats. They can inhabit lakes, mountain streams, coasts, mangrove forests, tidal creeks, swamps, rivers, garden ponds, and calm marine waters. They need clear, still water for fishing, and places to perch while looking for prey. Belted kingfishers prefer waters that are not overgrown with vegetation. They require unvegetated, earthen banks in order to make their nesting burrows. (Hamas, 1994; Fry, 1992)

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial ; saltwater or marine ; freshwater

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; coastal

Wetlands: marsh

Other Habitat Features: riparian ; estuarine

Systems

• Terrestrial
• Freshwater

Belted kingfishers occur in various aquatic habitats. They can inhabit lakes, mountain streams, coasts, mangrove forests, tidal creeks, swamps, rivers, garden ponds, and calm marine waters. They need clear, still water for fishing, and places to perch while looking for prey. Belted kingfishers prefer waters that are not overgrown with vegetation. They require unvegetated, earthen banks in order to make their nesting burrows. (Hamas, 1994; Fry, 1992)

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial ; saltwater or marine ; freshwater

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; coastal

Wetlands: marsh

Other Habitat Features: riparian ; estuarine

Belted kingfishers are typically found along rivers and streams and along lake and pond edges (Hamas, 1974). They are also common on seacoasts and estuaries (Bent, 1940). They prefer waters that are free of thick vegetation that obscures the view of the water and water that is not completely overshadowed by trees (Bent, 1940; White, 1953). Kingfishers also require relatively clear water in order to see their prey and are noticeably absent in areas when waters become turbid (Bent, 1940; Davis, 1982; Salyer and Lagler, 1946). White (1953) suggested that water less than 60 cm deep is preferred. They prefer stream riffles for foraging sites even when pools are more plentiful because of the concentration of fish at riffle edges (Davis, 1982). Belted kingfishers nest in burrows within steep earthen banks devoid of vegetation beside rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes; they also have been found to nest in slopes created by human excavations such as roadcuts and landfills (Hamas, 1974). Sandy soil banks, which are easy to excavate and provide good drainage, are preferred (Brooks and Davis, 1987; Cornwell, 1963; White, 1953). In general, kingfishers nest near suitable fishing areas when possible but will nest away from water and feed in bodies of water other than the one closest to home (Cornwell, 1963).

Comments: Primarily along water, both freshwater and marine, including lakes, streams, wooded creeks and rivers, seacoasts, bays, estuaries, and mangroves. Perches in trees, on over hanging branches, posts and utility wires. At night, roosts high in a leafy tree near water (Fry and Fry 1992). In some areas availability of foraging sites may be more limiting than the availability of nest sites. BREEDING: Typically nests in a burrow dug by both sexes in the bank of a creek, river, lake, pond, gravel or sand pit, or embankment of a road or railroad; usually but not always near water. Rarely may nest in sawdust heap or tree hole.

Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Northern noncoastal breeding populations are migratory. Migrants occur in Central America and the West Indies mainly from September to early April, mid-October to late April in Trinidad (Fry and Fry 1992). In fall and spring, migrants move along the shores of certain Great Lakes localities at a rate of about 12-15 individuals/hour (Fry and Fry 1992).

The main diet of belted kingfishers consists of various types of fish, especially Salmo trutta, Pimephales notatus, Lepomis macrochirus, Cottidae, and Salmo salar. They usually eat small fish, but belted kingfishers have been observed to swallow fish as long as the bird itself, sometimes leaving an inch or so of the tail sticking out of the beak. If fish are scarce, they also eat Gastropoda, Malacostraca, Insecta, Amphibia, Squamata, young Aves, small Mammalia, and berries. Anything that remains undigested is later regurgitated as a pellet. Belted kingfishers normally hunt from perches bordering a body of water. Belted kingfishers dive for their prey with their eyes closed. They usually do not go under water, instead they grab their prey near the surface of shallow waters. Once they have captured their prey, they fly up to a branch, and stun the prey by slamming it against the branch. They then toss it into the air, catch it headfirst, and swallow it. Clear water and a clear view of prey are vital to belted kingfishers for successful foraging. During the summer months they can be seen feeding in small ditches, creeks, large rivers, and along margins of ponds and lakes. (Hamas, 1994;   http://www.efn.org/~jpreed/Eddy1.html;   http://www.indiana.edu/~iupress/birds/kingfisher.html)

Animal Foods: birds; mammals; amphibians; reptiles; fish; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; mollusks; aquatic crustaceans

Plant Foods: fruit

The main diet of belted kingfishers consists of various types of fish, especially brown trout, bluntnose minnows, bluegill sunfish, sculpin, and Atlantic salmon. They usually eat small fish, but belted kingfishers have been observed to swallow fish as long as the bird itself, sometimes leaving an inch or so of the tail sticking out of the beak. If fish are scarce, they also eat snails, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, reptiles, young birds, small mammals, and berries. Anything that remains undigested is later regurgitated as a pellet. Belted kingfishers normally hunt from perches bordering a body of water. Belted kingfishers dive for their prey with their eyes closed. They usually do not go under water, instead they grab their prey near the surface of shallow waters. Once they have captured their prey, they fly up to a branch, and stun the prey by slamming it against the branch. They then toss it into the air, catch it headfirst, and swallow it. Clear water and a clear view of prey are vital to belted kingfishers for successful foraging. During the summer months they can be seen feeding in small ditches, creeks, large rivers, and along margins of ponds and lakes. (Hamas, 1994;   http://www.efn.org/~jpreed/Eddy1.html;   http://www.indiana.edu/~iupress/birds/kingfisher.html)

Animal Foods: birds; mammals; amphibians; reptiles; fish; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; mollusks; aquatic crustaceans

Plant Foods: fruit

Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore )

Belted kingfishers generally feed on fish that swim near the surface or in shallow water (Salyer and Lagler, 1946; White, 1953; Cornwell, 1963). Davis (pers. comm. in Prose, 1985) believes that these kingfishers generally catch fish only in the upper 12 to 15 cm of the water column. Belted kingfishers capture fish by diving either from a perch overhanging the water or after hovering above the water (Bent, 1940). Fish
are swallowed whole, head first, after being beaten on a perch (Bent, 1940). The average length of fish caught in a Michigan study was less than 7.6 cm but ranged from 2.5 to 17.8 cm (Salyer and Lagler, 1946); Davis (1982) found fish caught in Ohio streams to range from 4 to 14 cm in length. Several studies indicate that belted kingfishers usually catch the prey that are most available (White, 1937, 1953; Salyer and Lagler, 1946; Davis, 1982). Diet therefore varies considerably among different water bodies and with season (see examples in Appendix).

Although kingfishers feed predominantly on fish, they also sometimes consume large numbers of crayfish (Davis, 1982; Sayler and Lagler, 1946), and in shortages of their preferred foods, have been known to consume crabs, mussels, lizards, frogs, toads, small snakes, turtles, insects, salamanders, newts, young birds, mice, and berries (Bent, 1940). Parents bring surprisingly large fish to their young. White (1953) found that nestlings only 7 to 10 days old were provided fish up to 10 cm long, and nestlings only 2 weeks old were provided with fish up to 13 cm in length. After fledging, young belted kingfishers fed on flying insects for their first 4 days after leaving the nest, crayfish for the next week, and by the 18th day post-fledging, could catch fish (Salyer and Lagler, 1946).

Comments: Eats mainly fishes (averaging about 9 cm long), and sometimes various other vertebrates and invertebrates, obtained by diving into water from hovering flight or stout perch. May also consume berries in winter. Needs clear still waters for fishing. Regularly forages up to 8 km from the nest (Fry and Fry 1992). Rarely fishes up to a kilometer offshore.

Belted kingfishers will mob predators and can be quite aggressive. They emit a shrill, rattling cry and will chase intruders until they leave the territory. Fledgling belted kingfishers may fall prey to Accipitridae, as they are poor flyers. Other predators will prey on nestlings in the nest, though predation rates of belted kingfisher nestlings is low as they are protected in nest cavities.

Known Predators:

• hawks (Accipitridae)
• striped skunks (Mephitis_mephitis)
• American minks (Mustela_vison)
• raccoons (Procyon_lotor)
• snakes (Serpentes)

Belted kingfishers will mob predators and can be quite aggressive. They emit a shrill, rattling cry and will chase intruders until they leave the territory. Fledgling belted kingfishers may fall prey to hawks, as they are poor flyers. Other predators will prey on nestlings in the nest, though predation rates of belted kingfisher nestlings is low as they are protected in nest cavities.

Known Predators:

• hawks (Accipitridae)
• striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis)
• American minks (Neovison vison)
• raccoons (Procyon lotor)
• snakes (Serpentes)

Ceryle alcyon is prey of:
Squamata
Accipitridae
Mustela vison
Mephitis mephitis
Procyon lotor

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Megaceryle alcyon (Fish-eating birds) preys on:
Cyprinidae
Paralichthyes albigutta
Strongylura marina
Leiostomus xanthurus

Based on studies in:
USA: New York, Long Island (Marine)
USA: Florida (Estuarine)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Ceryle alcyon preys on:
Carassius auratus
Pimephales notatus
Lepomis macrochirus

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Generally occurs singly or in pairs. In New Brunswick, densities reach 10 individuals per 1600 m of farmland stream (see Fry and Fry 1992). Foraging is usually within 1.6 km of nest, up to 8 km (Cornwell 1963). Lakeside territories average 0.8 km of shoreline, up to 2.4 km; river territories average 2.4 to 4.8 km of river length (Salyer and Lagler 1946).

A vibrating, mechanical rattle is the characteristic call, given at the smallest disturbance. A scream is also often used by both sexes, in confrontational retreat, while displaying a threat, or as a greeting when a mate is approaching.

A vibrating, mechanical rattle is the characteristic call, given at the smallest disturbance. A scream is also often used by both sexes, in confrontational retreat, while displaying a threat, or as a greeting when a mate is approaching.

Their common territorial call is a long, uneven rattle most similar to the Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) rattle but harsher, unsteady, clattering. Also, a higher, shorter, more musical, rapid trill tirrrrr. The Belted kingfisher is generally solitary. Favorite perches include branches, stumps, snags, and power lines along waterways, boating piers and docks. Some predators are snakes, mammals, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus). They may avoid their raptor predators by diving below the water’s surface. The flight of the kingfisher is strong and direct but sometimes short-lived.

Belted kingfishers are seasonally monogamous. Pair bonds are formed soon after the male establishes his territory. During courtship, the male sings mewing songs to the female, and also feeds her. There are no known pre-copulatory displays, but after copulation, the male, followed by the female, often performs a flight display in which he soars and dips his wings close to the surface of the water. After mating, the pair digs a long tunnel (active nests have a tunnel at least 80cm long) into a wall of clay or sand. At the end, they dig a nesting cavity. Sometimes swallows will share the tunnel, making bungalows in the sides of the wall. Belted kingfishers are believed to select the nest site as a pair; they find an acceptable area and the male begins to slash at the substrate with his bill. The female is never perched far away, and will call to him continuously during this process. They also constantly rattle-call to each other during the actual digging of the tunnel, which is done by both sexes. (Hamas, 1994; Fry, 1992;   http://www.efn.org/~jpreed/Eddy1.html;   http://www.indiana.edu/~iupress/birds/kingfisher.html)

Mating System: monogamous

Belted kingfishers prefer to construct nesting burrows near their fishing territory, but nest sites can be located far away from water. They usually lay 6-8 pure white, glossy eggs. Egg incubation lasts 22 to 24 days. Belted kingfishers will nest again only if the first group of eggs is destroyed.

Breeding interval: Belted kingfishers breed once yearly, unless their first clutch is destroyed.

Breeding season: Breeding season varies with latitude, from January in the south to June in the north.

Range eggs per season: 5 to 8.

Average time to hatching: 22.0 days.

Average fledging age: 28.0 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 10.0 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 10.0 months.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); asexual ; fertilization

Both parents incubate, with the female sitting through the night, and the male taking her place in the early morning. The male sometimes feeds the female while she sits. Belted kingfishers will renest only if the first clutch is destroyed. The young are brooded constantly for 3-6 days after hatching, usually by the female. Food is regurgitated for the chicks, and the male feeds them twice as often as the female. Fledgings leave the burrow around the 28th day. The young remain with the parents for about 3 weeks, and are fed by them with increasing irregularity for this amount of time. Eventually, the parents refuse to feed them anymore, and the chicks are thus forced to feed themselves. (Hamas, 1994; Fry, 1992;   http://www.efn.org/~jpreed/Eddy1.html;   http://www.indiana.edu/~iupress/birds/kingfisher.html)

Parental Investment: altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Male, Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female)

Belted kingfishers are seasonally monogamous. Pair bonds are formed soon after the male establishes his territory. During courtship, the male sings mewing songs to the female, and also feeds her. There are no known pre-copulatory displays, but after copulation, the male, followed by the female, often performs a flight display in which he soars and dips his wings close to the surface of the water. After mating, the pair digs a long tunnel (active nests have a tunnel at least 80cm long) into a wall of clay or sand. At the end, they dig a nesting cavity. Sometimes swallows will share the tunnel, making bungalows in the sides of the wall. Belted kingfishers are believed to select the nest site as a pair; they find an acceptable area and the male begins to slash at the substrate with his bill. The female is never perched far away, and will call to him continuously during this process. They also constantly rattle-call to each other during the actual digging of the tunnel, which is done by both sexes. (Hamas, 1994; Fry, 1992;   http://www.efn.org/~jpreed/Eddy1.html;   http://www.indiana.edu/~iupress/birds/kingfisher.html)

Mating System: monogamous

Belted kingfisher pairs prefer to construct nest burrows near their fishing territory, but the nest site can be located far away from water. The clutch is usually 6-8 pure white, glossy eggs, and incubation is 22-24 days. (Hamas, 1994; Fry, 1992;   http://www.efn.org/~jpreed/Eddy1.html;   http://www.indiana.edu/~iupress/birds/kingfisher.html)

Breeding interval: Belted kingfishers breed once yearly, unless their first clutch is destroyed.

Breeding season: Breeding season varies with latitude, from January in the south to June in the north.

Range eggs per season: 5 to 8.

Average time to hatching: 22.0 days.

Average fledging age: 28.0 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 10.0 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 10.0 months.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); asexual ; fertilization

Both parents incubate, with the female sitting through the night, and the male taking her place in the early morning. The male sometimes feeds the female while she sits. Belted kingfishers will renest only if the first clutch is destroyed. The young are brooded constantly for 3-6 days after hatching, usually by the female. Food is regurgitated for the chicks, and the male feeds them twice as often as the female. Fledgings leave the burrow around the 28th day. The young remain with the parents for about 3 weeks, and are fed by them with increasing irregularity for this amount of time. Eventually, the parents refuse to feed them anymore, and the chicks are thus forced to feed themselves. (Hamas, 1994; Fry, 1992;   http://www.efn.org/~jpreed/Eddy1.html;   http://www.indiana.edu/~iupress/birds/kingfisher.html)

Parental Investment: altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Male, Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female)

Breeding densities of between two and six pairs per 10 km of river shoreline have been recorded, with density increasing with food availability (Brooks and Davis, 1987; White, 1936).

During the breeding season, belted kingfishers require suitable nesting sites with adequate nearby fishing. During spring and early summer, both male and female belted kingfishers defend a territory that includes both their nest site and their foraging area (Davis, 1982). By autumn, each bird (including the young of the year) defends an individual feeding territory only (Davis, 1982). The breeding territories (length of waterline protected) can be more than twice as long as the fall and winter feeding territories, and stream territories tend to be longer than those on lakes (Davis, 1982; Salyer and Lagler, 1946). Foraging territory size is inversely related to prey abundance (Davis, 1982).

During the breeding season, pairs establish territories for nesting and fishing (Davis, 1982); otherwise, belted kingfishers are solitary. They are not colonial nesters and will defend an unused bank if it lies within their territory (Davis, 1982). In migrating populations, the males arrive before the females to find suitable nesting territories (Davis, 1982). Kingfishers excavate their burrows in earthen banks, forming a tunnel that averages 1 to 2 m in length, although some burrows may be as long as 3 to 4 m (Hamas, 1981; Prose, 1985). The burrow entrance is usually 30 to 90 cm from the top of the bank (Bent, 1940; White, 1953) and at least 1.5 m from the base (Cornwell, 1963). Burrows closer to the top may collapse, and burrows too low may flood (Brooks and Davis, 1987). Burrows may be used for more than one season (Bent, 1940). Five to seven eggs are laid on bare substrate or on fish bones within the burrow (Hamas, 1981; White, 1953). Only one adult, usually the female, spends the night in the nest cavity; males usually roost in nearby forested areas or heavy cover (Cornwell, 1963). Both parents incubate eggs and feed the young (Bent, 1940). After fledging, the young remain with their parents for 10 to 15 days (Sayler and Lagler, 1946).

Egg laying months: April-July in Ontario, May-June in New York, April-June in Louisiana (Fry and Fry 1992). Clutch size 5-8 (usually 6-7). Incubation 23-24 days, by both sexes. Broods average 4. Young leave nest at 30-35 days. One brood/year, though replacement clutches may be laid. Pairs nest solitarily. On Lake Hasca, Minnesota, 14 nesting pairs occupied an area of 65 sq km (see Fry and Fry 1992).

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.

There are 4 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.

Download FASTA File

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 4
Specimens with Barcodes: 5
Species With Barcodes: 1

Population growth has been stimulated by human activity in some regions, such as the digging of sand and gravel pits, which create nesting habitats. The belted kingfisher does not seem to be as affected as other fish-eating birds by environmental contaminants. They are sometimes still shot illegally at some fish hatcheries.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: no special status

US Migratory Bird Act: protected

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Contributor/s

Justification

History

• 2008
  Least Concern
• 2004
  Least Concern

Population growth has been stimulated by human activity in some regions, such as the digging of sand and gravel pits, which create nesting habitats. The belted kingfisher does not seem to be as affected as other fish-eating birds by environmental contaminents. It is sometimes still shot illegally at some fish hatcheries. (Hamas, 1994)

US Migratory Bird Act: protected

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: no special status

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N5B - Secure

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5B,N5N : N5B: Secure - Breeding, N5N: Secure - Nonbreeding

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Before migratory bird laws were enacted, belted kingfishers were often shot by humans at fish hatcheries and by trout streams, where they were considered a nuisance.

Belted kingfishers are important members of ecosystems and fascinating birds to watch.

Before migratory bird laws were enacted, belted kingfishers were often shot by humans at fish hatcheries and by trout streams, where they were considered significant predators. (Hamas, 1994)

Belted kingfishers are important members of ecosystems and fascinating birds to watch.