Kingfishers are found across most continents, and there are about 90 different species of Kingfisher worldwide.  They are generally small birds with the smallest being the African Dwarf Kingfisher at 4 inches tall and weighing just 10g.  One of the most widely distributed is the Common Kingfisher which is the species we have in Britain, and is also found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The Kingfisher is one of the most recognisable of all the British birds and with it's lovely colours, it is also one of many peoples favourite birds.  Males and females are almost identical in appearance but can be distinguished by the colour of the lower mandible (jaw bone). The females lower beak is orange with a black tip, where as the male has an all black beak.  It is relatively common bird although many sightings are of the flash of blue as a kingfisher flys past fast and low.

Kingfishers are very territorial birds and once found, they can then often be found in the same area looking for food. Common Kingfishers weigh about 40g and need to eat over 50% of their body weight each day.  My images were taken in Worcestershire and Coventry.