Appearance:
Large, crested head
Long, thick, black bill
Blue-gray head and back
White belly with blue breast band
Small white spot by each eye
White collar
Female (not photographed):
Rufous flanks
Rufous belly band
Listen to its call.
Driving along Dooley Road in Central Saanich, I spied this bird perched in a tree along the road. Unfortunately, as I got out of my car and approached it, it flew into a neighbouring yard. There was a large fence around the property and I leaned on the top of it to photograph the bird. After taking numerous shots, I readjusted my position to get a different angle. It was then that I noticed the sign "Caution. Electric fence". I was shockingly surprised. Actually, I wasn't, thankfully, but it was rather funny. I was so focused on getting my picture that I didn't feel a thing.
Looking at this bird, it struck me that the crest looks a bit like a crown and I wondered if that was where it got its name. However, I didn't find any evidence of that. In fact, I couldn't find much about the etymology of the name at all. Even the Online Etymology Dictionary wasn't much help, stating that the name was first used in the "mid-15c and was originally king's fisher, for obscure reasons". Personally, I think my explanation is much better.
Learn more about the Belted Kingfisher.
What a lovely bird! I'd love to get a glimpse of one of these.
ReplyDeleteelectric fence
the shocking blue
of the kingfisher