IDENTITY RECORD

Common kingfisher

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Alcedo atthis

Description

A small bird with brightly shimmering plumage, I measure around 16 cm with an average weight of 40g. My brilliant colored feathers have earned me names like the Blue Arrow. In Germany I’m known as the “Eisvogel” meaning ice bird.  My long slender beak and short, dumpy body make me particularly suited for catching fish.

Behavior

Diet

I live on small fish and small aquatic animals.

Reproduction

I breed between March and September, laying five to seven eggs on average.

Lifespan

I can live up to 15 years

Where and when can you find me in the reserve?

Habitat

I live around bodies of water.

When to spot me

I don’t like the cold, so I migrate when the temperatures drop, so you won’t easily find me in winter.

Conservation status

• Red list of nesting birds in metropolitan France: Vulnerable (VU);
• Red list of endangered nesting birds in Alsace: Near Threatened (NT).
• Protected in France.
• Species of community interest as included in Appendix I of the European Birds Directive.