Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

(A. a. atthis)

Armenian Name:	Երկնագույն ալկիոն

See Plate 37 for Common Kingfisher and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	16-17 cm, Wing Span:24-26 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 190.
Description:	Compact bird with long straight bill and very short tail.
Adult:	Bright blue-green above with iridescent blue on back, rump, and uppertail coverts; orange below. Cheeks orange and white, chin white. Male has black bill; female has red on lower mandible.
Juvenile:	Similar to adult but duller. Greenish-blue above, lacks iridescence.
Behavior:	Plunges from perch or hovers and then dives. Gives piercing whistled call.
Habitat:	Fish ponds, lakes, rivers bordered by willows, reedbeds.
Food:	Aquatic invertebrates, small fish.
Nest:	Burrow in sand or clay bank.
Eggs:	23 mm, 6-7, white.