The Kingfisher

In the world there are 87 species of Kingfishers. In the Mississagi Valley we only have one: the Belted Kingfisher. These birds are about the size of a pigeon, but have larger heads and blue-grey feathers, which form a crest resembling a crown. They hunt from a favorite perch, over clear shallow water. When they spot a fish they fly up, hovering for a few seconds, and then plunge down with their wings held back, into the water. When the fish is caught it is brought back to their perch, stabbed and swallowed. You can tell when you find a Kingfisher's perch by the pile of fish bones and scales on the ground. They can be found near lakeshores, stream banks, and marshes.