Field record
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
- Location
- Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
- Coordinates
- 6.37° N · 81.52° E
Field guideLeast Concern
It hunts from a low waterside perch, plunge-diving to seize fish, with retinal adaptations that correct for the way light bends at the water’s surface.
- Family
- Alcedinidae (kingfishers)
- Length
- 16–17 cm
- Wingspan
- 24–26 cm
- Diet
- Mainly small fish, plus aquatic insects and crustaceans, caught by diving
- Range
- Widespread across Eurasia and North Africa into South and Southeast Asia